The Daily Star Ireland
Catriona Carey, a former Ireland hockey player, along with two former business associates, has appeared in court facing multiple charges linked to the UK-based company, Careysfort Asset Estates Ltd.
Carey, 46, from Rochford Manor, Co Carlow, is accused of three counts of money laundering over a three-year period. John Steadmond, 47, from Craanford, Co Wexford, faces 18 charges, including impersonating a solicitor and deceiving individuals into paying deposits by falsely claiming that Careysfort could secure financial support for distressed mortgage holders. Paddy Maher, 57, from Glenmalure, Co Wicklow, has been charged with 24 offences, including impersonating a solicitor and unlawfully inducing payments for Careysfort.
The three individuals were granted bail during a hearing at Dublin District Court, with the case adjourned until January 31 to allow for the review of extensive evidence.
Carey, sister of former Kilkenny hurler DJ Carey, is accused of using property gained from criminal activities to credit a bank account in Careysfort’s name. The alleged offences occurred between 2019 and 2021, and it is claimed that she was aware or reckless about the source of the funds. Detective Garda Ger Harney from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) arrested Carey, who made no comment when cautioned. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has instructed that she face a jury trial. As part of her bail conditions, Carey must notify Gardaí of any change in address, provide a phone number, inform authorities of travel plans, and refrain from contacting prosecution witnesses. She is also required to sign in at Kilkenny Garda Station twice a week.
Steadmond is facing accusations related to deceiving 21 people into paying money to Careysfort for financial gain between July 2019 and February 2022. He is also charged with unlawfully acting as a solicitor without qualification during this period. Steadmond, who appeared in court wearing a blue shirt and navy coat, was arrested at Kevin Street Garda Station. He made no reply when cautioned, and the DPP has directed that he stand trial before a jury. His bail conditions include signing in twice a week at Arklow Garda Station, providing a contact number, giving 21 days’ notice before leaving the country, and not contacting the alleged victims.
Maher, who was arrested shortly after Steadmond, is facing 23 charges related to persuading individuals to pay money to Careysfort for financial gain between August 2020 and February 2022. He is also accused of impersonating a solicitor during this time. Maher was granted bail on the condition that he signs in at Arklow Garda Station once a week and refrains from contacting witnesses or alleged victims. Both Maher and Steadmond were granted legal aid.
The case will return to Dublin District Court on January 31.
