Former Canada Life agent pleads guilty to theft of €270,000

A former Canada Life agent from Limerick has admitted theft of approximately €270,000 from the company.

Patrick Walsh, 33, from Camass North, Bruff, Co Limerick entered a guilty plea to multiple counts when he appeared at Dublin District Court.

He faces 75 charges for thefts of various sums from Canada Life, and using insurance policy application forms as false instruments. The offences are alleged to have happened when he worked as a tied agent for the company in 2010 and 2011 at locations in Dublin and Limerick.

Judge Ann Ryan sent him forward on a "signed plea of guilty" to appear at a sitting of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on March 20 next.

Mr Walsh had been charged last month after he met detectives from the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation. Det Sergeant Pascal Walsh said the 33-year-old had made no reply when the 75 charges were put to him.

The DPP had directed trial on indictment and the case was listed at the district court on Thursday for Mr Walsh to be served with a book of evidence.

However, when it was called Judge Ryan was told that the accused has agreed to enter a signed plea. State solicitor John Forde said the DPP consented to the accused being sent forward to the Circuit Court.

Defence solicitor Dara Robinson said his client understood the significance of the proceedings and Mr Walsh confirmed he had signed the plea.

There has been no objection to bail; he has already surrendered his passport and agreed not to apply for a new one.