A man jailed for killing his wife has been charged with fraud involving more than £55,000.
Patrick Hennessy (38), of Killaloe, Callan, Co Kilkenny, got eight years for manslaughter last April after he admitted bludgeoning his wife Marie to death with a car jack in May 1999.
He appeared in court yesterday on 118 sample charges of stealing or fraud while he was manager of Callan social welfare office.
Det Garda Brian Murphy gave evidence of arresting and charging Hennessy. The detective said Hennessy had replied "I can't remember" to the first charge and had nothing to say in response to remaining charges.
The father of three girls is accused of stealing or obtaining by fraud more than £55,000 from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs, between April 1995 and October 1998.
The charges range from falsifying payments in weekly payment sheets to forging unemployment assistance forms in various names and stealing money. Solicitor Mr Laurie Grace, who represented Hennessy, successfully applied for free legal aid.
Judge William Harnett remanded Hennessy in custody until June 19th.