33 forgery charges brought against former FÁS executive

Thirty-three forgery charges have been brought against a former FÁS executive, who is accused of defrauding the state training agency of more than €600,000.

Last month at the Dublin District Court, Mr James Brooke-Tyrell (aged 53), with an address at Church Gate, Church Road, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, was charged with 47 counts of deception by manufacturing a false tender, inducing FÁS while in his position as assistant video production manager, at Upper Baggot Street, D.4, resulting in cheques being issued into accounts controlled by him, from 2002 to 2008.

The charges, under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act, also stated that this was allegedly “with intention of making a gain for yourself and causing a loss to another".

The court had also heard that as to the value of the money allegedly involved in the case was “just over €600,000".

He had been remanded on bail to appear again at Dublin District Court today, where Judge William Early heard that further charges had been put to him.

Mr Tyrell was charged with 33 counts, under Section 25 of the Theft and Fraud Offences Act, for forgery of quotations on headed paper of a number of companies, on dates between 2003 and 2008.

A person guilty of this offence can face a fine and/or a jail term of up to 10 years.

Detective Alan Browne, of the Garda Fraud Bureau, told Judge Early that Mr Tyrell made no reply when he was cautioned this morning.

He also told the court that the DPP had directed that “trial on indictment” which means the case is to be sent forward to the Circuit Court.

Judge Early noted that there was no objection to the existing bail being extended to cover the new charges.

He remanded Mr Tyrell, who was wearing a smart business suit and remained silent during his case, to appear again in January when he is to be served with the book of evidence in the case.