Not guilty plea in Limerick bridal fraud case

A BOOK of evidence is due to be presented to the owner of a bridal store in Annacotty, which was at centre of a major controversy last year.

Shirley Flanagan, aged 35, who has an address at Rathurd, Donoughmore, has again appeared before Judge Mary Larkin at Limerick District Court, where she is charged with multiple theft offences.

She faces four separate charges under the provisions of the Theft and Fraud Offences Act, relating to offences which are alleged to have happened at Robelle Bridal on dates between January 4, 2015 and May 7, 2015. She is accused of stealing property worth a total of €3,650. The store is now closed and a new tenant is in place.

The defendant, who is currently not working, was granted legal aid and solicitor Darach McCarthy was assigned to represent her.

Sergeant John Moloney, Henry Street garda station, told the court that a file had been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions – who consented to the matter being dealt with by way of summary disposal – or in the district court – on condition Ms Flanagan pleads guilty.

However, Ms Flanagan is pleading not guilty and a book of evidence in her case is due to be presented by July 13 next.

Ms Flanagan, who was present in court for the brief hearing, has been remanded on continuing bail.

Once the book has been presented to the court, the case will be heard before a judge and jury at the Circuit Court – where a more severe penalty will apply if she is convicted. However, Ms Flanagan can change her plea, should she wish, up until then.

In statement last May, Ms Flanagan confirmed her business had ceased trading but said every effort would be made by her to honour existing orders or refund brides.