Tycoon O'Brien duped by shamed star with a €130,000 bail-out

BILLIONAIRE businessman Denis O'Brien was one of the people targeted by disgraced GAA star DJ Carey. The tycoon gave him more than €130,000, along with help with cars and housing.

- BY JOE O'SHEA

CONNED Tycoon Denis O'Brien

Cork-born O'Brien, founder of an international communications company along with other major business interests, was by far the biggest donor to the fraudster who convinced friends and neighbours he needed urgent medical treatment for cancer.

After Carey pleaded guilty to defrauding friends, family and fans, Mr O'Brien admitted: “To my embarrassment, I was completely duped.”

The Kilkenny GAA star was yesterday handed a five-and-a-half year sentence for conning victims out of €394,000 to treat a cancer he never had.

Fraudster Carey has so far repaid only a small sum and Mr O'Brien, who also gave him US$13,000 along with help with cars and housing, has received nothing in return.