‘The money is spent’: Limerick man who won €250K last year says he can't pay €500 fine

A LIMERICK MAN who won €250,000 in a radio show competition last December has claimed he does not have the money to pay a €500 fine that he has owed since 2016. 

When Les Markham - with an address at Askeaton, County Limerick - was brought before Newcastle West District Court on foot of a bench warrant this Tuesday morning, he said he did not have the funds to pay the fine that was imposed on him almost ten years ago.

Prosecuting Inspector Gearóid Thompson questioned Mr Markham’s inability to pay, considering he a won a sizable sum of money in the “cash machine” competition 12 months ago. 

The Inspector said he found it hard to believe that Mr Markham does not have the funds, having won a “wad of money earlier”. 

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Judge Carol Anne Coolican suggested that Mr Markham go to an ATM and the case was adjourned for a short time. Mr. Markham later returned to the court with €100 in cash. 

Appearing before the judge wearing a black tracksuit and gold rings, he admitted he did indeed win the Today FM cash machine prize but said the money is spent and gone now.

He said he used the quarter of a million tax-free winnings to “do up the house” and that he is not in a position to pay the fine. 

“As you know houses are expensive,” he offered by way of an explanation.

Judge Coolican directed Mr Markham to pay over the €100 to his solicitor Michael O'Donnell and to appear before the court again on Thursday, November 27 to pay back the remaining balance of €400.

Mr O'Donnell told the court he was reserving his position regarding legal aid.