Laois man in court over basic payments scheme grant allegations
The man apeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court
A man appeared in court accused of forgery and dishonestly making gain from Basic Payments Scheme grants.
Paul Gilligan (49) of Aviola, Brockera, Ballyfin is accused of making gain or causing loss by dishonestly inducing Department of Agriculture basic payment scheme grants between May 12 and December 30, 2016 and between May 10 and December 5, 2017 and between May 8 and December 4, 2018 and between June 3 and December 18, 2019. The man is further accused of forgery in relation to a €1,000 cheque on October 13, 2016, a cheque of €3,300 on November 6, 2018, a cheque for €2,500 on November 9, 2018 and a cheque of €75 on October 14, 2016. He is also accused of using a false instrument in relation to a form for changing a herd number on May 13, 2020.
Detective Garda Paraic Ryan said the accused was arrested and charged at Abbeyleix Garda Station. He told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the DPP had directed that the defendant face trial over the allegations.
Judge Susan Fay adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on May 11 for service of the book of evidence.