A farmer gave 600,000 euros to the poor because "God told him he would go to heaven" (2 photos)
In Ireland, a court has intervened in the case of a 40-year-old farmer who gave away more than half of his fortune to the poor in a matter of months, believing that this would secure him a place in heaven. 
A strange story has unfolded in Ireland in which religious beliefs and financial recklessness have led to the intervention of the court. The 40-year-old farmer, whose name has not yet been disclosed, sold his farm for €600,000 and in a matter of months gave away more than half of the money to the poor and homeless. According to his lawyer, the man sincerely believes that such actions will open the way to heaven for him.
The High Court heard that the farmer had been actively handing over large sums of money to strangers for weeks. He recently gave €1,000 in cash to a homeless woman and has given around €38,000 to charity in the last month. At the same time, one of his bank accounts went into overdraft by €65,000.
The farmer now has around €250,000 left over from the proceeds from the sale of the farm. The Irish Health Authority fears that he will give away the rest of the money, so they have asked the court to appoint a guardian, an independent representative who will monitor his financial decisions and protect his interests. 
High Court Judge Michael Twomey agreed with the lawyers' submissions and ruled that the appointed guardian would have the power to take all necessary steps to prevent the man from going bankrupt. The farmer's identity will not be disclosed for his protection, according to the court's order.
The hearing is scheduled to continue in September. Until then, the farmer's financial dealings will be under the control of the appointed guardian.
