Struck-off solicitor facing €52m in new fraud charges
STRUCK-off solicitor Thomas Byrne has appeared in court on 50 new fraud charges totaling €52m relating to the sale of around 20 properties in Dublin.
The court was told that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment and the book of evidence will be ready next month.
Mr Byrne, with an address at Dublin’s Aungier Street, arrived at the Dublin District Court already facing two charges in relation to the theft of over €2m in connection with his client’s purchase of a Dublin city centre apartment block.
But another 50 fraud offence charges totalling €50m were put to him today.
Mr Byrne, who had a solicitor's practice in Walkinstown, Dublin, now faces 21 charges of theft relating to mortgage funds.
There are further charges in connection with the deeds of transfer and assignment on properties, nine charges of deception and eight charges of using false instruments.
All the offences are alleged to have occurred between 2004 and 2007.
They relate to homes in Crumlin, Clondalkin and south Dublin and relate to six banks.
They are NIB, IIB, EBS, Irish Nationwide, Anglo Irish Bank, Bank of Scotland (Ireland).
Judge John O' Neill granted Mr Byrne free legal aid and remanded him on continuing bail until March 2 for service of the book of evidence.
- Independent.ie reporters
