DJ Carey has been taken into custody ahead of sentencing on Monday afternoon. 

In July, the former Kilkenny hurler pleaded guilty to 10 counts of deception, having lied about having cancer in order to trick people into giving him money. 

A sentencing hearing was due to take place on Wednesday but was delayed after Carey fell ill. 

“There was quite a bit of toing and froing between the lawyers and the judge when the case was called on Wednesday morning,” Court Correspondent Frank Greaney explained on Newstalk Breakfast. 

“The five time all Ireland winner was nowhere to be seen.” 

DJ Carey. Picture by: RollingNews.ie.

Carey’s lawyers said their client had been hospitalised in Galway and a medical letter was handed over.

“Some doubts about his whereabouts were raised when the prosecuting barrister said he’d been informed that Mr Carey was not an inpatient at the hospital,” Frank revealed. 

“Enquieries were made and on the back on those, it emerged that while he had presented at the hospital’s Emergency Department on Monday, he wasn’t kept in. 

“However, a nurse confirmed that he was in hospital again on Wednesday, waiting to see a consultant. 

“No explanation was given about why he was in hospital but his barrister surmised that it could be related to a pre-existing heart condition.” 

DJ Carey on the hurling pitch. Picture by: INPHO/Tom O'Hanlon.

Not all victims took the opportunity to testify before the court and and Carey’s lawyers presented mitigation on his behalf. 

“His guilty pleas would be the most significant factor - although those came at a late stage,” Frank said. 

“So, he may not get the full discount for his admissions. 

“Deceiving people in such a way has a maximum penalty of five years in prison. 

“Once all the submissions are made, the judge will take some time to consider a sentence."

Main image: DJ Carey. Picture by: Alamy.com.