Woman accused of stealing massive amount from community group in Offaly village

A WOMAN has been accused of stealing €29,460 from Shannonbridge Action Group.

Sile Ryan (53), Raghra Park, Shannonbridge was sent forward to Tullamore Circuit Court after a book of evidence was served on her at Tullamore District Court on Wednesday.

Garda Stacey O'Brien gave evidence of serving the book and applied for Ms Ryan to be sent forward to next Tuesday's (November 26) sitting of the Circuit Court on 92 charges.

Bridget Kelechi, solicitor for Ms Ryan, told Judge Fiona Brennan that there was no need for the court to go through each of the charges individually.

Garda O'Brien said bail as set in the District Court could remain. The accused was granted bail on her own bond of €250 and among the conditions are that she sign in at Birr Garda Station once a week and have no contact directly or indirectly, including through social media, with the committee of the Shannonbridge Action Group, the alleged injured party.

Ms Kelechi applied for legal aid for her client and it was granted by Judge Brennan who assigned the solicitor and one counsel.

The charges against Ms Ryan allege the theft of various amounts of money, from €262 up to €2,000, the property of Shannonbridge Action Group, on many different dates between July 19, 2019 and June 20, 2023.

The woman also faces numerous charges of making false AIB cheques, with the intention the cheques might be used to induce another person to accept them as genuine.

She is also charged with using an AIB bank statement which she knew or believed to be a false instrument, on July 11, 2023 at Shannonbridge Action Group.

Another charge alleges that on June 21, 2023, Ms Ryan attempted to commit theft contrary to the Criminal Justice Theft, Fraud and Offences Act.