Catriona Carey and co-accused appear in court on money ...

Former international hockey player Catriona Carey has appeared in the District Court charged with three money laundering offences related to a financial services company she operated.

Ms Carey (46), who is the sister of former Kilkenny hurling star DJ Carey, appeared in court with two others who were charged with related alleged offences, including deceiving large numbers of people and impersonating a solicitor.

The businesswoman, with an address of Rochford Manor, Graiguecullen, Co Carlow appeared at Dublin District Court following a long running Garda National Economic Crime Bureau investigation (GNECB).

She is accused of using credit balances held in three bank accounts in the name of Careysfort Asset Estates Ltd which were the proceeds of criminal conduct while knowing they resulted from criminality.

The alleged offences occurred between 2019 and 2021 and were charged under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010.

Det Garda Ger Harney of the GNECB, told Judge Monika Leech that Ms Carey was arrested on Wednesday at Kilmainham Garda station. She made no reply when cautioned.

The Director of Public Prosecution has directed she face trial before a jury in the Circuit Criminal Court.

There was no objection to bail but Ms Carey was subject to strict conditions, including that she sign on twice a week at her local Garda station, notify gardaí if she intends to move address or travel abroad and refrain from contacting any witnesses in the case.

Ms Carey’s solicitor Andrew Broderick said she was once a “lady of means” but she now had to apply for legal aid. There was no garda objection. Judge Leech granted legal aid and released Ms Carey on bail.

Ms Carey’s co-accused John Steadmond (47) of Rossminogue, Craanford, Gorey, Co Wexford was charged with 17 offences of deception.

He is accused of deceiving 21 people by inducing them to pay a deposit to Careysfort Asset Estates, having falsely represented that the company was in a position to secure finance for the victims and that their deposit was refundable.

The alleged offences occurred between 2019 and 2022 and were charged under the Criminal justice (theft and fraud offences) Act 2001.

Mr Steadmond is also accused of impersonating a solicitor between 2020 and 2022.

Patrick Maher (57) of Glenmalure Gun Club, Glenmalure, Co Wicklow is charged with 23 counts of inducing alleged victims to pay a deposit to Careysfort Asset Estates, having falsely represented that the company was in a position to secure finance for the victims and that their deposit was refundable. The alleged offences occurred between 2019 and 2022.

Mr Maher is also charged with impersonating a solicitor between 2020 and 2022.

Both men were granted bail on similar conditions to Ms Carey. They were also granted legal aid.

Mr Maher appeared in court using a walker. The court heard he has medical issues.

Neither man made any reply when charged on Wednesday morning at Kilmainham Garda station, the court heard. They will also face a jury trial in the Circuit Criminal Court.

The court heard it will take about two months for the book of evidence to be completed. Det Garda Lynch said it will be a significant amount of work.