Fraud case insurance broker gets bail

A WEXFORD insurance broker suspected of disappearing with clients’ money and who had Christmas dinner with the Irish ambassador in Hungary while international search warrants were out for his arrest, has been remanded on continuing bail.

William (Bill) Deegan, who was extradited back to Ireland last Wednesday, following a 10-year criminal investigation is due in court again in New Ross, Co Wexford on January 27.

Yesterday, counsel for Mr Deegan, Simon Kennedy, applied that he be remanded on continuing bail, pending the presentation of a book of evidence in the case.

Judge John Coughlan granted the application and also approved an application by Mr Kennedy that Mr Deegan’s bail conditions be altered, requiring him to sign on once and not twice daily at his local garda station. Inspector Tom Saunderson approved the application.

Mr Deegan was before the court on two charges of theft by fraudulently converting a clients’ money for his own use or benefit. One charge, dated July 13, 1992, related to a bank draft for £9,250 (€11,747) in the name of Marcella Irwin, who had given it to him to invest for her.

The second charge, dated June 4, 1993, involved a cheque for £23,428.10 (€29,753.68) again in Marcella Irwin’s name, of which Mr Deegan is accused of stealing £19,278.10 (€24,483.18). He denies the offences.

He sat in court with one of his sons. Dressed in a red jacket, red polo shirt and navy trousers, he did not speak during the brief hearing.