Man admits fraudulent insurance claims

False insurance claims amounting to over €200,000 in relation to elaborately staged car accidents were admitted yesterday by a Co Cork man.

Tommy Maher, aged 51, of Scarteen, Newmarket, faced a number of charges arising from a Garda probe, code-named Operation NASCAR. It had been co-ordinated by the Organised Crime Unit at Anglesea Street Garda Station.

He was arraigned yesterday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court and pleaded guilty to making false reports of accidents to gardaí and making fraudulent claims.

Defence barrister Donal O’Sullivan said: “In light of those pleas of guilty, my application would be to adjourn sentencing to next term.

He is under the care of psychiatric services. And he would like to try to raise compensation. Certain family members are going to assist.”

The accidents had been reported at Monastery Hill, Rochestown, Cork, on December 6, 2011; Carrigane, Mitchelstown, Co Cork, on August 28, 2012, and at Clyda Bridge, Mallow, Co Cork, on September 26, 2012.

He admitted making false reports thereby wasting Garda time.

He also admitted fraudulently claiming damages from various insurance companies in relation to the accidents.

Some of the fraudulent insurance claims made by Maher were unspecified but others referred to sums of €54,000, €20,00, €76,000, and €68,000.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin adjourned sentencing until February 3. He directed the preparation of a psychiatric report and remanded him on bail.

Two co-accused, who pleaded guilty to two charges each, will be sentenced on Monday, November 2.

Rory Keating, aged 60, of Killinane, Liscarroll, Mallow, and John Murphy, aged 55, of 118 Blackwater Heights, Youghal, admitted a charge of deception and making a false report.