Cork man accused of defrauding EU research agency of grants worth almost €600,000

Accused, 76, denies charges, telling court he has documents containing evidence which 'establishes my complete innocence of any wrongdoing'

Director of Public Prosecutions directed the case should proceed by indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Picture: Dan Linehan

A 76-year-old man charged with defrauding the European Research Executive Agency of grants of over half a million euro between 2013 and 2015 appeared before Cork District Court on Monday and denied the charge.

The European Research Executive Agency (REA) manages EU research grants.

Inspector Clodagh O’Sullivan charged Tony Herbert, of Summerhill North, Cork, with a single charge which stated that, “you the accused between December 11, 2013, and September 30, 2015, did within the State, intentionally commit in whole or in part a fraud affecting the European communities financial interests, relating to expenditure to wit, REA payments consisting of pre-financing and interim payment, amounting to €587,350, payable under grant agreement dated December 11, 2013, contrary to Section 42 (a) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.” 

The accused was represented in court by barrister Brian Mulvany, instructed by Matheson Solicitors in Dublin.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed the case should proceed by indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

On the application of Sgt Murphy, Judge Treasa Kelly adjourned the case until January 13, 2025, to allow time for preparation and service of a book of evidence.

No evidence was given in court on the alleged circumstances which gave rise to the charge being brought against the defendant.

Insp O’Sullivan said she cautioned the accused that he did not have to reply to the charge but anything he might say would be written down and could be given in evidence.

Tony Herbert replied: “I have in my hand official European Commission documents given to gardaí 24 hours ago, which new evidence completely destroys this charge and establishes my complete innocence of any wrongdoing in this matter. I am totally innocent of this charge.”