The sentencing hearing of DJ Carey has been postponed until Friday, after the former star Kilkenny hurler was hospitalised. 

When Carey's case was called this morning, the judge was told he was admitted to Portiuncula University Hospital in Galway yesterday.

A copy of a medical letter was handed up and inquiries are now being made in relation to his admission.

The former All Ireland winner had told people he had been diagnosed with cancer; in fact, this was a lie he had concocted to trick people into giving him money while he received ‘treatment’. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney said many of the details of the case “haven’t been laid bare yet” but are likely to be at the sentencing hearing. 

“Between 2014 and 2022, DJ Carey admitted fooling 13 people into giving him money by pretending that he needed it for cancer treatment,” Frank explained. 

“He was arrested and brought to court back in 2023; due to stand trial last July but on the day that his trial was due to get underway, he pleaded guilty to eight charges of deception and two charges of using false instruments.” 

DJ Carey arriving at the Criminal Courts of Justice. Picture by: RollingNews.ie.

The fact that he pleaded guilty, sparing his victims a trial, will mean a reduced sentence - even if the plea was entered at a late stage. 

However, it means members of the public are none-the-wiser about why Carey did what he did.  

“That may be outlined in court today when the facts are brought to the judge’s attention,” Frank continued. 

“I think it is common knowledge that he found himself, like so many others, in great financial difficulty as a result of the downturn in the economy. 

“He had business interests after he left the hurling field and a lot of them went under.” 

The Central Criminal Court of Dublin. Picture by: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie.

During the hearing, Carey‘s legal team will have the opportunity to offer pleas in mitigation. 

It is understood that he has a heart condition that required surgery last year and a psychological report into his mental health has been commissioned. 

“The State will also be given the opportunity to put forward the case for where they see the offending on the scale of seriousness,” Frank added. 

“I suspect a lot of the court’s time will be taken up by hearing from the victims; 13 in total. 

“They’ll be given the opportunity to deliver victim impact statements - they’re under no obligation to do so. 

“A couple have chosen not to prepare victims impact statements.” 

It is possible that the judge will hand down the sentence at a later date, giving them the opportunity to consider the facts presented to them in full at today’s hearing. 

Main image: DJ Carey arrives at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin. Picture by: Alamy.com.