‘Destitute’ ex-councillor applies for free legal aid

Former Fianna Fáil councillor Gary O’Flynn, who is facing 22 sample counts of financial deception, was described as being “in quite a destitute situation” as he applied for free legal aid.

Mr O’Flynn, aged 37, faces these charges which 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, applied for aid through his solicitor, Joseph Cuddigan, who told Cork District Court yesterday: “Gary O’Flynn is in quite a destitute situation.”

The accused submitted a written statement of means and Judge Leo Malone required Mr O’Flynn to be sworn in to be asked about certain matters in the application.

The judge asked him about working for his family without remuneration. Mr O’Flynn said he was not paid for this work and that it was therapeutic in the context of being unable, physically and mentally, to take on paid work.

The judge asked him about a property in Limerick and Mr O’Flynn said it was in negative equity. He produced documentation in support of this statement.

Insp John Deasy said he did not have an officer in court to deal with the prosecution objection to free legal aid being assigned to the accused.

Judge Malone deferred his decision on free legal aid until Jan 22.

Det Insp Michael Horgan previously told the judge 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 individual sums involved range from €40 to €125.

The judge was told the 22 matters were sample counts from a total of 111 charges relating to dates from Oct 29, 2009, to Aug 24, 2012.

Insp Deasy said a book of evidence was being prepared in the case.