Breaking: Catherine O'Brien found guilty of deception charges
The jury returned the verdict following a trial relating to the purchase, transport, and insurance of a French mare called Lingreville.
It was alleged that she 'dishonestly by deception' induced Dubliner John Blake to pay €20,000 to purchase the horse — which the State alleged was not purchased; to pay €1,100 insurance for the mare — which the State said was not paid; and €984 to transport the horse from France to Ireland — which the State said was not transported.
Ms O'Brien, of An Grianan, Ballinroad, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, had pleaded not guilty to the three charges of making gain or causing loss by deception contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.
The jury had heard she had met Mr Blake on a dating website called Plenty of Fish.
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