O’Flynn faces 22 deception charges

Former Fianna Fáil member of Cork City Council, Gary O’Flynn, was formally arrested and charged with 22 counts of financial deception yesterday.

The charges against Mr O’Flynn, aged 37, were described as sample counts from 111 charges contrary to the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Offences Act.

Mr O’Flynn, of Hayfield Drive, Castle Court, Whitechurch, Co Cork, was arrested at the Bridewell Garda Station before being formally cautioned and charged.

Det Insp Michael Horgan told Judge Leo Malone in Cork District Court that Mr O’Flynn replied “not guilty” when each of the 22 charges was put to him.

The total amount of money involved in the 22 charges is just over €1,500. The sums involved range from €40 to €125.

Insp Michael Maguire said the charges relate to dates from Oct 29, 2009, to Aug 24, 2012.

There was no objection to the defendant being remanded on bail.

Insp Maguire said the DPP had directed that the matter be dealt with on indictment before the Circuit Court.

Defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan submitted that such relatively small sums — as referred to in the charges — were regularly dealt with before the District Court.

Judge Malone said he had no jurisdiction in the matter once the DPP had decided on trial by indictment.

He remanded Mr O’Flynn on bail to appear before the District Court on Dec 18 to allow time for preparation and service of the book of evidence.