Former investment broker Mr Tony Taylor, who is facing trial on charges of fraud, forgery and obtaining money under false pretences, was refused bail by the High Court yesterday. Gardai opposed the bail application on the grounds that they believed Mr Taylor would abscond and not stand trial.
When Mr Taylor's case was before Dublin District Court on a previous occasion, Detective Garda Kevin Monks from the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation said he had flown to Gatwick Airport in England to accompany Mr Taylor back to Ireland. On arrival at Dublin airport, he was arrested on foot of 15 extradition warrants and taken to the Bridewell garda station where he was charged.
Following the rejection of the bail application yesterday, Mr Michael O'Higgins, counsel for Mr Taylor, said it was anticipated that his client's trial would take place in the law term commencing in October next or early in 2001.
If the matter was not reached at that time, counsel asked whether he might have liberty to re-apply for bail.
Mr Justice O'Higgins said counsel could renew the bail application if counsel believed there was a change of circumstances and if the case went beyond the (time) parameters referred to. It would be a matter for the judge hearing the application to decide if there was in fact a change of circumstances.
Earlier, having heard evidence and submissions on behalf of Mr Taylor and the DPP, the judge said he believed there was a probability that in all the circumstances, Mr Taylor would abscond. Because of that, he was refusing bail.
In his evidence, Mr Taylor stated that, if granted bail, he would stand trial. "That is absolutely my intention," he said. "I must take this shadow away from my character and reputation. I have to fight this, I came back voluntarily to stand trial. I did not come back to run again. I'm here to see this through because of the nature of the charges against me."
Referring to extradition proceedings, he said he did not initially consent to extradition from England until he had taken legal advice. He had taken a decision in principle to come back to Ireland from England but just wanted to look at his legal position.
He did not consent to extradition until December last because he wanted legal advice. He was being told of a virulent press campaign being waged against him.
In the short term, he was taking legal advice and he had come back to Ireland as soon as he was able to have an informed legal opinion.
