FÁS fraud accused remanded on bail

A former FÁS executive accused of defrauding the state training agency of more than €600,000, was remanded on continuing bail at the Dublin District Court today.

Judge Patrick McMahon heard that the State was seeking a further six weeks to complete the book of evidence.

James Brooke-Tyrell (aged 53), with an address at Church Gate, Church Road, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, had been charged in October 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.”

In November, he was charged with 33 additional 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 term of up to 10 years.

The DPP has directed “trial on indictment” which means the case is to be sent forward to the Circuit Court.

Today Judge McMahon remanded Mr Tyrell on continuing bail to appear again on a date in March when he is to be served with the book of evidence and returned for trial.