A man who admitted attempting to exact €5,000 from a Cork farmer by offering to paint some of his farm buildings has been given an opportunity by a judge to pay compensation to the victim.
Felix Moorehouse (26) had his case adjourned yesterday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court until June 9th to allow him come up with a sum of compensation for 69-year- old John Norris, Quitrent, Kildorrery.
The State alleged that Mr Norris - who was living alone in Quitrent at the time of the deception on April 5th, 2003 - agreed to pay €200 to have some sheds painted and then pay a further €200 when the work was completed.
It also alleges that Mr Norris ended up paying the €400 and then several hours after the work was done, he was asked for a further €6,000.
He paid over some €5,000 before the gardaí learned what was going on and arrived at the scene.
Moorehouse, Little Connell, Newbridge, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty to deception when arraigned on the charge yesterday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court before Judge Patrick Moran.
He was charged that he did dishonestly and with the intention of making gain for himself, induce John Norris to do an act, namely to pay the sum of €5,000 purportedly for painting and allied work to buildings to warrant a payment of €5,000.
Ray Boland, counsel for Moorehouse, said yesterday his client was anxious to make reparation to Mr Norris. "My client would like an opportunity to gather compensation for the unfortunate victim," he said.
Judge Moran agreed to the application and remanded Moorehouse on bail to appear again at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on June 9th.