Sligo men appear in court over Govt dept fraud

Two Sligo men have appeared in court on charges related to Department of Agriculture fraud involving over £300,000. Robert Patrick Walshe of Rhue, Tubbercurry and Michael Clarke of Beltra were remanded in custody on charges of handling stolen property and money laundering.

The two men were arrested at their homes this morning and were then charged. Both replied not guilty when the charges were read out to them. Their appearance at Sligo District Court follows an intensive investigation by the Gardai over three years. The Court heard that the charges relating to Walsh concern over £181,000 while those relating to Clarke amount to £128,000. Both men, who operate businesses, were remanded in custody to appear again a week from today.