A JUDGE yesterday told a GP accused of obtaining money under false pretences from families of two terminally ill cancer patients that his case “cannot be conducted by remote control”.
At Ennis Circuit Court, Co Clare, yesterday, Dr Paschal Carmody represented himself, but told Judge Carroll Moran he had instructed a London-based firm of solicitors to represent him.
Dr Carmody (63), of Ballycuggeran, Killaloe, is facing nine charges of obtaining €16,554 by deception or under false pretences from the families of two patients at the East Clinic, Killaloe, in 2001-2002.
Last month, Dr Carmody confirmed to Judge Moran that Dublin firm of solicitors Michael Staines was no longer representing him in the case.
Judge Moran said Dr Carmody’s trial was scheduled to start at the Ennis court on November 27th and adjourned the case to yesterday to ascertain if Dr Carmody had instructed a legal team since his last court appearance.
Dr Carmody confirmed he had instructed a London-based firm and Judge Moran said: “They should be here in court.”
Judge Moran said he would adjourn the case to Limerick Circuit Court this Friday to allow Dr Carmody’s solicitors be present.
“If solicitors from London are going to engage in the case ... they have to actually be here. They can’t be representing you by remote control.”
Dr Carmody said that Friday was very short notice for his solicitor to attend and Judge Moran adjourned the case to Limerick Circuit Court on October 16th.
In the case, seven of the nine charges faced by Dr Carmody relate to the late Co Wexford teenager Conor O’Sullivan (15). The remaining two relate to the late John Sheridan (58) of Kells, Co Kilkenny.
