Ex-chef to stand trial for attempted deception in €2.3m claim against Cork hotel

Jason Platt had been on a trip to Cork when he suffered injuries in a fall from the window of the Old Bank House Hotel in Kinsale

The case against Jason Platt was listed again at Dublin District Court today when he was served with a book of evidence.

A former chef accused of attempted deception after losing a €2.3m compensation claim against a Co Cork hotel has been sent forward for trial.

Jason Platt, aged 53, from Merseyside, England, was arrested in September by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB).

He was granted bail, and his case was listed again at Dublin District Court today when he was served with a book of evidence.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed "trial on indictment".

Judge Michele Finan acceded to a request from State solicitor John Forde to grant a return-for-trial order, sending the case to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where it is scheduled to be listed on May 1 next.

Mr Platt, who was on crutches, was granted legal aid and warned to notify prosecutors within 14 days if he intends to rely on an alibi. Judge Finan also ordered gardaí to hand over interview videos to the defence.

The former chef had been on a trip to Cork in February 2009 with his partner when he suffered injuries in the fall from the window of the Old Bank House Hotel in Kinsale.

However, in an unsuccessful High Court action in 2015, he lost his personal injury claim for damages.

He is now accused of seven offences, including one for attempted deception of the Aviva insurance company between August 2010 and June 2015, contrary to common law.

The remaining charges are under the Civil Liabilities Act for giving false or misleading evidence in the High Court in Dublin and to a doctor at Beaumont Hospital and in an affidavit.

A conviction could result in a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment. He has still to enter a plea.

Earlier, GNECB Detective Yvonne Costello told the court that Mr Platt "made no reply" when charged.

Mr Platt, of Queensland Ave, Thatto Heath, St Helen's, Merseyside, had to lodge €1,000 bail and give an undertaking not to withdraw a further €1,000 from an account.

He must not contact witnesses directly or indirectly and must appear in court whenever required.

In September, the defence had said Mr Platt was on a disability benefit, getting £250stg a week and "had no savings or assets".