Ex-Fianna Fáil councillor in court on mortgage fraud charges

A former Fianna Fáil councillor has been further remanded on bail in connection with nine alleged fraud offences relating to his obtaining of mortgages while working as a financial adviser.

Gary O'Flynn (39) of Hayfield Drive, Castle Court Whitechurch, Co Cork made his second appearance on the charges when he appeared at Cork District Court this morning.

Mr O'Flynn is charged with three counts of making gain or causing loss by deception to Bank of Ireland Mortgages on various dates in 2008 and 2009.

The prosecution alleges Mr O'Flynn obtained commissions of €1,540, €1,000 and €925 when acting as an agent for his own company, Flexible Mortgages, to obtain the mortgages.

The charges arise from Mr O’Flynn obtaining mortgages for sums of €308,000, €200,000 and €185,000 on three properties in Cork city which he owned and sought to remortgage.

The State alleges that Mr O'Flynn obtained the commissions by deception on mortgages on houses at Shanakiel, Jacob's Island and Garran Dara, Wilton, all in Cork.

He is also charged with a further six fraud offences, with all nine offences being contrary to the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2011.

Insp Ronan Kennelly told the court the book of evidence was almost ready save for some technical matters which have yet to be finalised and he applied for an adjournment.

Defence solicitor Emmet Boyle said his client was anxious for the matter to be sent forward to the current criminal sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Leo Malone adjourned the matter until February 25th for service of the book of evidence and remanded Mr O'Flynn on bail to appear in court again on that date.

Mr O'Flynn served on Cork City Council from autumn 2003, when he was co-opted to replace his father, former Fianna Fáil TD Noel O'Flynn, until he stood down in December 2008.