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Hurling star DJ Carey pleads guilty to fraud over fake cancer claims

PA Media DJ Carey in dark suit, grey shirt and brown tie, appearing at court.PA Media
DJ Carey is a five-time All-Ireland winner and multiple All-Star

Former Kilkenny hurler DJ Carey has pleaded guilty to 10 charges related to defrauding people out of money while pretending to have cancer.

The 54-year-old, who previously resided at The Drive, Newtown, Maynooth, County Kildare, made the pleas during an appearance at Ireland's Circuit Court where he was due to stand trial.

A five-time All-Ireland winner and multiple All-Star, Carey is one of the most decorated and acclaimed hurlers to ever play the sport.

Carey stood to enter guilty pleas on 10 counts of dishonestly inducing people to pay him money after he fraudulently claimed to have cancer and needed finances for treatment.

Getty Images Denis O'Brien, facing the camera, with grey hair, wearing dark grey jacket and lighter shirt.Getty Images
The 10 counts that Carey pleaded guilty to involved a total of 13 complainants, including Denis O'Brien, one of Ireland's wealthiest entrepreneurs

The court heard that one deception charge was being struck out while the remainder of the indictment would be taken into consideration by the sentencing judge.

About 28 witnesses had been expected to give evidence for the prosecution at trial.

The 10 counts that Carey pleaded guilty to involved a total of 13 complainants, including Denis O'Brien, one of Ireland's wealthiest entrepreneurs.

A defence lawyer told the court that while cancer was referred to in the charges, Carey "does have very genuine health conditions" and required surgery for a heart condition.

He was remanded on bail and is due to be sentenced on 29 October.