A FORMER solicitor appeared in court yesterday charged with eight offences under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act totalling almost €1 million.
Mary Miley (54), Duncairn Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow, was arrested yesterday morning by detectives from the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation.
She was brought before Judge Murrough Connellan at Bray District Court shortly after 1pm where she was granted bail pending the serving of a book of evidence.
Ms Miley is charged with eight offences, which include four counts of deception and four counts of using a false instrument, under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act.
The alleged offences, which total some €970,000, relate to dates between November 2005 and May 2008 and are in connection with mortgage loans.
During the brief hearing, Insp Declan McCarthy of Bray Garda station told of arrest, charge and caution of the accused.
The defendant replied “no” when asked by the judge if she was working. She was granted free legal aid and nominated solicitor Brendan Maloney as her legal representative.
Insp McCarthy indicated to the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed a trial on indictment and said gardaí had no objection to bail.
He requested, however, that the accused sign on once a week at Bray Garda station.
Insp McCarthy also told the court that Ms Miley’s passport is with the High Court but that he understands the accused has permission to collect the document.
He requested that the passport be surrendered or that it remain with the High Court. He also requested that Ms Miley not apply for a new one. Judge Connellan agreed to the Garda requests.