Console founder Paul Kelly admitted to psychiatric ward
More revelations relating to what was described as “elaborate spending” on credit cards linked to Console were outlined in court today.
The details were revealed as part of the charity’s successful bid to freeze the assets of former CEO Paul Kelly, his wife Patricia and their son Tim.
Details of a HSE audit emerged last month which revealed financial irregularities at Console between 2012 and 2014.
Paul and Patricia Kelly’s son Tim were added to proceedings today and an order freezing his assets and those of his parents was approved by Mr Justice Paul Gilligan.
Previous orders instructing Paul and Patricia Kelly and Paul’s sister Joan McKenna not to interfere with Console remain in place, however Ms McKenna was given a short adjournment to allow for inquiries to take place into claims she was never a director of the charity.
The court also heard that Tim Kelly appears to have spent €63k last year alone on travel, cars and meals out.
Paul Kelly is alleged to have spent €41k last year and a bill of €62k appeared on another card previously linked to him.
Mr. Justice Gilligan was told it seems his wife spent €35k in 2015.
The High Court has heard that Console founder Paul Kelly was not able to attend court today because he is an in-patient at a psychiatric unit.
He, his wife Patricia and sister Joan McKenna are subject to various injunctions preventing them from interfering with the suicide charity.
Today the High Court granted injunctions to freeze assets of Paul Kelly, his wife Patricia and their son Tim.
The latest orders granted against the Kellys restrain them from disposing of or dealing with their assets. Tim Kelly, son of Paul and Patricia Kelly, was only added to proceedings today.
They have also been instructed to swear affidavits listing all directorships and companies established in relation to Console and hand over details and passwords for PayPal accounts linked to the charity as well as details of any transfer of assets in the past six years.
Patricia Kelly was sitting on her own at the back of the public gallery.
The court heard her husband Paul, former CEO and founder of the suicide charity Console, has been admitted to a psychiatric unit.
His sister Joan McKenna was also absent but her case was adjourned to allow further inquiries into claims she was never a director of Console.
Last week, the High Court granted Console a wide range of injunctions preventing the trio from interfering with the charity.
Yesterday, the interim CEO David Hall was also given permission to break the lock of a storage unit in Naas which had been rented under Mr Kelly’s name.
He said over 300 folders were removed under the supervision of four Gardaí. 50 binders were also inside as well as a computer and some discs, but he said has not had a chance to get through them just yet.
Mr. Justice Paul Gilligan also heard the suicide charity wishes to add Paul and Patricia Kelly’s son Tim to these proceedings.
The hearing continues.
