As I have previously discussed, Noel Hayes and his former business partner Willie O’Leary were accused of forging Matthew Hayes’ will, a wealthy 82-year-old farmer from Ireland. On Tuesday, February 26, 2013, Noel was sentenced to six years in jail and a €500,000 fine. His partner received a three-year sentence that was suspended for about 18 months. He also received a €200,000 fine for his role in the forging of Hayes’ will. Their sentencing came after both men were unanimously convicted. Some might view their sentence as rather light considering that the maximum penalty would be life in prison under the Forgery Act in Ireland.
See Man Sentenced and Fined For Role In Forging Will of Distant Relative, Irish Times, Feb. 26, 2013.
