Woman accused of €100,000 deception at bank in the Midlands

A woman appeared in court accused of deception involving bank transfers totalling €100,000. 

Catherine O’Brien (47) of An Grianan, Ballinroad, Dungarvan, Waterford appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

She is accused of deception in relation to the transfer of €80,000 at the Bank of Ireland, Portlaoise on September 2, 2018, €10,000 from the same bank on October 25, 2018 and €10,000 on October 26, 2018. 

Solicitor Raymond Kavanagh argued that there was a jurisdictional issue in relation to her appearance at Portlaoise District Court. He said she was arrested in Waterford on March 11 and released on bail.  

“She should have been released on bail to the next sitting in the district court area or within 30 days,” he argued. He said his client was in the courthouse but not in the courtroom. 

Judge Andrew Cody asked that she be brought into the courtroom. 

“I will bring her in under protest,” said Mr Kavanagh. 

Judge Cody said there was no evidence of deliberate or conscious violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights and he was satisfied that the court had jurisdiction.

Garda Sgt JJ Kirby said the DPP had given directions and he requested five weeks to compile a book of evidence in the case. 

Judge Cody adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on May 5 for service of a book of evidence.