Ivor Callely appears in court in relation to fraud charges

Former junior minister Ivor Callely has made his first Circuit Court appearance on charges related to making bogus mobile phone expense claims.

Mr Callely (54) of St Lawrence, Clontarf faces six counts related to using six invoices, from three phone companies, as false instruments at Leinster House for receipt of expenses for handsets and equipment, under the Oireachtas members direct purchase mobile phone scheme in November 2007, February 2008 and from September to December 2009.

This morning Mr Callely’s defence counsel John Moher BL told the court that they have made a detailed request for disclosure of evidence from the Director of Public Prosecutions. He asked for the case to be adjourned for six weeks so this can be dealt with.

Prosecution counsel Dominic McGinn SC agreed to this and added that some evidence is being handed over to the defence today.

Judge Mary Ellen Ring at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court adjourned the case until July 10th and allowed Mr Callely stand out on continuing bail.

The former Fianna Fail politician was present at the back of a packed courtroom for the brief hearing. He was wearing a navy suit and red tie.