DJ Carey Jailed for “Reprehensible Fraud” Over Fake Cancer Claims
Former Kilkenny hurling legend DJ Carey — once celebrated as one of Ireland’s most talented and beloved sportsmen — has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for defrauding people out of nearly €400,000 by pretending he had cancer. It’s a shocking downfall for a man who was once seen as a hero on the hurling field, now remembered for one of the most disturbing fraud cases to come before an Irish court.
The 54-year-old pleaded guilty to ten counts of deception, admitting that he dishonestly induced friends, acquaintances, and even strangers to give him large sums of money for a cancer treatment that never existed. The court heard that he went as far as producing fake hospital letters and even claimed he was being treated in Seattle, using this fabricated story to gain sympathy and financial support from those who trusted him.
Also Read:- Microsoft Strikes $9.7B Cloud Deal with IREN to Power AI Growth
- Kendall Jenner’s Go-To Designer Flats Are Taking Over Fashion Streets
Judge Martin Nolan described the case as one of the most reprehensible forms of fraud imaginable, saying it was hard to think of anything worse than lying about a life-threatening illness to exploit people’s kindness. Carey’s victims included high-profile individuals such as businessman Denis O’Brien, who gave him more than €125,000 and even provided accommodation and transport. Others included family members, former colleagues, and fans who admired his sporting achievements.
In total, Carey defrauded 22 people of around €394,000 and $13,000, though only about €44,000 has been repaid. Many victims described how they were deeply hurt, embarrassed, and left questioning their own judgment. One victim, Thomas Butler, said he gave Carey money from his pension fund, believing he was helping a friend in need. Butler, whose parents both died of cancer, described the deceit as “gut-wrenching.”
During the hearing, Carey’s defence said he had experienced a “stunning fall from grace” and was now viewed as a pariah. They also mentioned he suffers from a chronic heart condition and financial troubles after his business collapsed. Despite these arguments, the judge said a custodial sentence was inevitable, given the scale and cruelty of the offences.
The court heard that Carey admitted to making up the cancer story as far back as 2012, saying he had been struggling with debts and felt trapped. Garda investigations revealed that no hospital had ever treated him for cancer, nor was there any record of the negligence case he claimed to have pursued.
Judge Nolan concluded that Carey’s actions were extraordinarily deceitful and manipulative, saying he had exploited not greed but the goodness of others. The former hurling icon — once hailed for his skill and sportsmanship — now faces years in prison and the permanent loss of his once-sterling reputation.
Read More:
0 Comments