Former millionaire property developer Kevin McGeever is being financed by his ill fiancee, a court heard yesterday. However, he was told by a judge he must provide a full statement of means if he is to get free legal aid.
The 68-year-old, who has an extensive property at Craughwell, Co Galway, appeared at Loughrea District Court. He is facing two charges relating to wasting Garda time this year.
The charges allege that he knowingly made false reports and statements between January 29th and February 28th tending to show that he had information on allegations of false imprisonment, assault and threats of harm.
He is also charged with knowingly making false reports and statements in connection with the same allegations, thereby causing the time of gardaí to be wastefully employed.
The charges follow a Garda investigation in late January after the businessman was found in a dishevelled state wandering on a road in Co Leitrim. He had been reported missing in May 2012, and had not been seen until a woman out walking came upon him on January 29th.
Yesterday Insp Declan Rock asked Judge Geoffrey Browne to remand the accused on continuing bail to Loughrea District Court on October 9th, and to extend time for service of the book of evidence.
Solicitor Aoife Nash told the court she was appearing on behalf of solicitor Tom Brabazon in the case, and requested that Mr Brabazon be assigned for the purposes of legal aid.
Judge Browne examined a document handed in by Ms Nash, and noted that it was lacking in detail in respect of the personal circumstances of Mr McGeever.
“There’s no income, no property details, nothing on this. He has a property in Craughwell – we all know that. I want you to find out what his properties are before I can decide on legal aid.”
After consulting her client, Ms Nash told Judge Browne that he had a property in Craughwell, but was being financed on a day-to-day basis by his fiancee who was ill.
The judge said he would remand him on continuing bail to October, and deal with the legal aid application later.