Guilty plea to €42k welfare fraud

A man who is accused of fraudulently claiming disability payments totalling €42,000 has pleaded guilty to seven sample charges.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin yesterday refused bail to the accused pending sentencing, which was was adjourned until November 16 to allow time for defence barrister Sinéad Behan to gather background reports.

Ms Behan said there had been no difficulty with the accused turning up in court in the past when granted bail. Judge Ó Donnabháin, however, said yesterday he would have to remand the accused in custody.