Town official charged over expenses

A former Fianna Fáil councillor has been charged with deception in relation to the claiming of conference expenses.

Pat Melia, 51, a member of Macroom Town Council in Co Cork, appeared in court yesterday charged with making gain or causing loss by deception on dates between April 13 and April 27.

Macroom District Court was told Mr Melia, with an address of 19 Ard na Greine, Macroom, Co Cork, made no reply when charged.