Forsey affirms love as he is led away to begin prison term

The former Fine Gael councillor was mostly impassive as he awaited sentence for corruption

FRED FORSEY (43) mouthed “I love you” to his 26-year-old partner Karen Morrissey in court yesterday during discussion of his estranged wife’s evidence that had brought his wrongdoing to light.

The former Fine Gael councillor remained mostly impassive, although he appeared to wink at Ms Morrissey when the six counts of corruption of which he had already been found guilty were read out.

Forsey looked in the direction of his supporters when the court heard his ex-wife Jenny, who was not in court yesterday, had stated during the trial that her marriage had broken down after he sent a text message meant for “his new lover” to his teenage daughter.

His ex-wife’s evidence was also that Forsey went to Australia in June 2007 and returned to Waterford two years later but did not tell his children he was coming back. It was then that Forsey mouthed “I love you”.

Ms Morrissey was already teary-eyed when she entered the court room yesterday morning. She chewed her lower lip and dabbed her eyes with a tissue.

Det Sgt Shay Keevans, who arrested Forsey in July 2009, was invited yesterday to tell the court what he knew about the former deputy mayor. He said Forsey was married with three children but separated since 2006.

Forsey was a driving instructor and Dungarvan town councillor with no previous convictions, came from a very respectable family and had never come to the attention of gardaí before. Det Sgt Keevans said Forsey was now on jobseeker’s allowance in the Dungarvan area and, he thought, involved in a software company.

When Forsey took the stand, his senior counsel, John Phelan, asked him about this new company, Big Bro Software. Forsey, whose answers had been quite terse, became loquacious as he enthusiastically described a GPS device that could be fitted in cars to promote road safety.

When Judge Gerard Griffin said he was declining Mr Phelan’s application to delay sentencing, Ms Morrissey began twisting a strand of her hair around her lips, which she did repeatedly.

Mr Phelan expressed a hope that no regard would be given to what he described as the “social aspect” of the case, which he said had captured the imagination of the journalistic profession.

The judge praised Forsey’s former wife, commending her “bravery” and “civic-mindedness” in bringing information to the attention of the authorities that initiated the investigation.

Loud sobbing was instantly heard from Ms Morrissey when the judge announced the sentence. After the court rose, the couple kissed and hugged repeatedly. Forsey cradled her face with his hands.

Ms Morrissey’s hands shook and she wiped tears from her eyes with a tissue, while Forsey embraced other supporters. Forsey’s lips wobbled slightly. His final words as he was led away were: “I love you”.