A former Limerick councillor, who is appealing a conviction for fraud, has claimed he is the victim of a major conspiracy.
Michael Kelly is appealing an eight-month prison sentence after he was convicted last March of 26 charges of tax and social welfare fraud. His conviction followed a lengthy investigation by a six-man team from the Criminal Assets Bureau into his financial affairs and his security company, Crestwin Ltd. The charges related to VAT and income tax offences as well as breaches of the Social Welfare Act.
When he was convicted last March, the court heard evidence that lodgments to Kelly's bank account in just one year totalled nearly three times his declared income.
Michael Kelly (47), Ballyneety, Co Limerick, was representing himself at Limerick Circuit Court yesterday, having recently dispensed with the services of a solicitor.
The former city councillor told the court there was a "conspiracy" to set him up involving the Criminal Assets Bureau, the State Prosecutor, and members of his former legal team. He cross-examined at length a number of witnesses for the State Prosecutor, Michael Murray.
Kelly, who has 37 previous convictions, was a high-profile member of Limerick City Council for three years.
The appeal hearing is expected to run for up to two weeks before Judge John O'Hagan at Limerick Circuit Court.