Property fraudster O'Kane says 'sorry'

Published Friday, 27 January 2012

Convicted fraudster Kevin O'Kane, who is awaiting a jail sentence for swindling millions out of would-be buyers of villas in Turkey, has expressed his regret in a letter to the trial judge.

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The 53-year-old Portglenone man claims it was "never my intention" to let anyone down and says he will carry the shame of what happened "for the rest of my life".

In the letter to Belfast Crown Court judge Mr Justice McLaughlin, O'Kane also said: "It is with the deepest regret that I find myself here before you today."

At the end of his trial last month, the businessman was convicted of 25 charges of obtaining money and property by deception - but he later pleaded guilty to a further 126 counts and two charges of fraud by false representation.

On Friday, prosecuting QC Liam McCollum revealed that there were a total of 59 victims and that the total money they lost was £3,983,735.

O'Kane has already been warned that a jail term is "inevitable".

Mr Justice McLaughlin has also asked the victims to agree to their impact statements being given to the fraudster, to give him an insight into the extent of what his actions have done to people.

The judge revealed that one victim, who handed £75,000 to O'Kane, has been told by their bank that "literally they will be taking £600 a month for the next 17 years".

The charges O'Kane has been convicted of arose after he portrayed himself as the landowner, builder and developer of the Golden Beach development in the Turkish sunshine resort of Bodrum.

But, as one victim testified, the conman "didn't even own a blade of grass".

Defence QC Brian Kennedy claimed his client had been physically attacked by masked men on two occasions and further claimed he had "foolishly trusted" his business partner, been made the fall guy and left "in the dark" as to where the money had gone.

Mr Justice McLaughlin accepted that he "wasn't dealing with one of life's great rogues" - but told Mr Kennedy that, while there were people in the dark, "Mr O'Kane wasn't one of them".

O'Kane was remanded into custody until his final sentencing next Friday - but with the judge already stating that he will be jailed for his crimes, the only question is how long he'll have to serve.

© UTV News
Comments Comments
9 Comments
Margaret Rinne in Germany wrote (25 days ago):
This fraudster should of been locked up in a Turkish Prison several years ago. But in ireland he is now hoping the judge will minimise his sentence because now after so many years he decided to say "Sorry". My brother lost everything - full amount paid. When I think of all the times he had to fly to Turkey and wait to see if the Turkish Judge was ever going to bring the case to trial...he even had to miss our brother´s wedding, all for nothing!!!! Hopefully these people will get justice now.
Jamesbelfast in Belfast wrote (25 days ago):
Anyone convicted of an offence has the right to plead for mercy or admit their wrongdoings. I just hope the victims of his crimes also made their views known to the court. I just hope that anyone considering purchasing property abroad learn from this sorry episode and take prudent legal and financial precautions before entering any similar venture. As Eamon asks did any of the victims seek the advice of a solictor or financial advisor before committing monies and if so they may have redress due to being negligently advised.
Marty in ireland wrote (25 days ago):
Disgusting! freeze all assets this con man has has in his name within a 15 years period, regardless if they are now in someone else name. Sell them and pay it to his victims. As for Eamon "de brain donor".... He was presenting himself as an agent, not the seller. it was part of the con! its how he worked the con. Gain the trust of a victom and appear down to earth + How many solicitors in mid Ulster specialise in Bulgarian property law?? none.
Eamon Keenan in Tempo wrote (26 days ago):
Gillian , I don't mean any malice but just wanted to ask someone involved why did you not use a solicitor ?
gerald in derry wrote (26 days ago):
bit late for being sorry now,lock him up for a long time
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