FÁS executive charged with €600k fraud
A FÁS executive was charged today with 47 counts of defrauding the state training agency of more than €600,000.
Mr James Brooke-Tyrell (aged 53), with an address at Church Gate, Church Road, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, was brought before Dublin District Court this morning.
He was charged with 47 counts of deception by manufacturing a false tender, inducing FÁS while in his position as assistant video production manager, at Upper Baggot Street, D4, resulting in cheques being issued into accounts in the name of Yard Media, controlled by Mr Tyrell, from 2002 to 2008.
The charges, under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act, also state that this was allegedly “with intention of making a gain for yourself and causing a loss to another.”
Detective Garda Alan Browne told Judge Ann Ryan that Mr Tyrell said “no reply I have nothing to say” when he was charged.
State’s solicitor Kevin Ennis told Judge Ryan that the DPP had directed that “the matter proceed on indictment” which means the case is to be sent forward to the Circuit Court.
He sought a six-week remand for the book of evidence to be served.
In reply to a query by Judge Ryan as to the value of the money involved in the case Det-Gda Browne replied “just over €600,000".
Mr Tyrell, who was wearing a dark overcoat and a black suit, remained seated with his hands clasped and was silent during his court appearance.
Defence solicitor Mr Pearse Mehigan said his client had met the arresting garda by appointment at the Bridewell Station, in Dublin city-centre.
He said Mr Ted Crowley, the defendant’s father-in-law, who was present for the case, would act as the independent surety. Mr Crowley then stepped forward and shook hands with the accused.
Mr Crowley confirmed that he understood that he could lose his surety money if the defendant failed to attend his next court appearance. The case then put to second calling after which the prosecuting Garda said he had no objection to Mr Crowley acting as a bail person.
Judge Ryan granted Mr Tyrell bail in his own bond of €1,000 and with the independent surety in the sum of €10,000.
The State solicitor said that a condition was being sought to have the defendant “surrender his passport forthwith".
However, Mr Mehigan, defending, said that had already been done. Judge Ryan then ordered that Mr Tyrell was not to apply for travel documents.
An application for legal aid was granted after Judge Ryan was told that the arresting garda had no objection.
Judge Ryan then remanded Mr Tyrell to appear again on November 17 next when the book of evidence in the case is to be served.
