Patrick Russell: One of Ireland's most prolific conmen

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RTÉ Investigates tracked down over 60 men and women who were defrauded by one of Ireland's most prolific conmen to the tune of over €8 million combined

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Patrick Russell has been many things in his 57 years – political activist, business partner of former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, barrister, publican and a financial advisor to convicted murderer Catherine Nevin. And on November 4, he became a prisoner, jailed for four years with one year suspended for stealing €215,000 from Kildare businessman Paul O'Connell.

She was cycling to work in Dublin's city centre when she became entangled with the trailer of a truck that was turning onto O'Connell Street. She was dragged along the ground for over 50 feet, according to a short report on the accident in the Evening Herald. Esther's brain and body were badly damaged.

But that is not what happened. While some payments were made, Russell never provided any documentation showing where the money was invested. The original agreement, according to an affidavit by Kay Wilson, was that the full sum was to be repayable at a month's notice. But when Kay asked for the money to be returned, Russell tried to fob her off."There was always an excuse as to why he couldn't release this capital," another sister Marian said.

And in 2001, to the horror of the Wilsons, Russell became a barrister. Even before he became a member of the bar, he had a track record of not paying what he owed. He had already been sued by a taxi driver from Wicklow, a shop-fitter from Meath, a drinks company, two banks, a builder, the Revenue Commissioners – to force him to pay a combined sum of around €800,000.

Days later, he paid €2.5m to purchase a house on six acres of land in county Dublin with stables, a tennis court, swimming pool and a ballroom with a purpose-built mahogany bar. He no longer owns the property. McDonald's initial impression of Russell was as a straight-talker. He was a"very much down to earth, spit in the ground type of barrister, if there is such a thing," McDonald said. Russell played on the credibility that his wig and gown gave him, and sometimes arranged to meet McDonald in Dublin's Four Courts building. But, under the scales of justice, Russell's mind was very much on how best to defraud McDonald's companies.

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He got what...4 years (1 suspended) onlyinIreland

4 years with the last year suspended? A joke

Ireland's inability yet again to deal with white collar crime. Shocking for all of the victims of this career con man.

He moved in the right circles, had info on important people, etc, etc, the usual reason this type of crime is not prosecuted. Very little money if any recovered is a common theme also and he'll walk free and carry on, no doubt money stashed away.

Another of the FIanna Fáil brown envelope brigade. There rotten to the core. Totally untrustworthy lot.

Was he a member of the Dail?

you wonder how he was simply not shot shot dead. people get shot over a 50k drug debt and way less. he deserves to die slowly and painfully

Dishonest scum bag. Hopefully real justice gets delivered someday

The DPP have serious questions to answer here

He has been protected by his FF mate’s for many years.. He was hail fellow well met , with Bertie and MM too.

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