A retired Fianna Fail senator appeared along with two other men at a sitting of the District Court in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, today on a charge of demanding money by menaces.
Francis O'Brien, (70) a father-of –four, from Corwillan, Latton, Castleblayney, faced charges along with Co Cavan farmer, Michael Marron (56) of Taghart North, Shercock, and Raymond McCaughey (57) a businessman of Drumganus, Broomfield, Co Monaghan, of attempting to make gain for themselves or others, by making an unwarranted demand for €100,000 from Michael Heelan, with menaces, at Tullyvaragh Lower, Carrickmacross, on April 27th last year.
All three were charged before Judge Sean MacBride and remanded on bail of €5,000, directed to surrender their passport to gardai, not apply for any travel documents, sign-on once weekly at Carrickmacross Garda station.
The judge adjourned all applications for legal aid for the trio until the next hearing on May 22nd.
Mr O’Brien was a member of Seanad Éireann between 1989 to 2011.