Showjumper accused of deception in sale of horse
AN international showjumper has appeared at Sligo District Court charged with deception in he sale of a pony in 2012.
Dutch based Michael Kearins (34) is charged with dishonestly by deception induce Sean Ewing to enter an agreement to buy a genuine pony having been viewed and ridden by his family but deceived by the accused supplying a different pony.
The value of the pony wasn’t given in the charge but the matter is proceeding by trial in the Circuit Court. The offence is alleged to have occurred between August 24 th 2012 and October 31st 2012 at Knockbeg, Collooney.
Kearins, who was represented by Mr Tom MacSharry, solicitor has an address in Kootwijkerbrook, Gelderland, Holland.
State Solicitor Mr Hugh Sheridan told the court that the book of evidence in the case had been served on the accused.
He said that he had been instructed by the Gardaí to seek an independent surety for bail as the accused had lived outside Ireland for some time.
Mr Sheridan said it was a very serious case involving a lot of value and the Gardaí had instructed to seek an independent surety.
Mr MacSharry, who said the accused was part of the Ireland showjumping federation, had fully co-operated with Gardaí.
He had flown back to Ireland to deal with the matter and he understood it was a very serious matter.
His brother had lodged €3,000 in cash as bail but he was unable to be in court as he was away on business.
In reply to Judge Kevin Kilrane, the accused said his horses were based in Gelderland in the Netherlands and that’s where he lived as the various shows he competed in were easier accessible from there but that his address was still Knockbeg in Collooney.
Judge Kevin Kilrane sent the accused forward for trail to the next sittings of Sligo Circuit Court beginning on December 12 th. on his own bail of €3,000 in cash.
It was made a condition of bail that the accused notify Gardaí of any change in his address.