Former solicitor accused of misappropriating €255,000

Case involves charges under Theft and Fraud Act and Solicitors Act for alleged offences in Mayo

A former solicitor has been served with a book of evidence and sent forward for trial accused of misappropriating about €255,000.

Jacqueline Durcan (47), previously based in Co Mayo but now with an address at Rue Laubespin, 10 Laeken, Brussels appeared in the Dublin District Court yesterday.

The case follows an investigation by the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation. She faces charges under the Theft and Fraud Act and the Solicitors Act for alleged offences in Co Mayo from 2008 until 2010.

Judge Anthony Halpin heard that the DPP consented to her being returned for trial on indictment to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

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A book of evidence was served on her and the judge told her she was being sent forward for trial on 10 charges. She has not yet entered a plea and was warned she must notify the State if she intended to use an alibi in her defence. There was no objection to her remaining on bail.

Judge Halpin said her next hearing would be on June 10th in the Circuit Court when the case will be listed for mention. He also made an order for disclosure of video evidence to the defence and legal aid was granted.

Among other charges, the woman is accused of appropriating €100,000 in Co Mayo and knowingly making a false entry in accounting records on October 21st, 2008.