An auctioneer charged in connection with alleged staged traffic-accident insurance claims has asked for free legal aid because his business has collapsed since he was first charged.
Mr Peter Leahy (32), Old Longford Road, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, is one of six men charged with conspiracy to defraud and commit false pretences between 1995 and 1996.
The others are a former garda, Mr Desmond McGonigle (52), Cleen, Knockvicar, Boyle, Co Roscommon; Mr Michael Daly (30), Carbury, Co Kildare; Mr William Ryan (64), Clonahard, Co Longford; Mr Patrick Byrne (38), Lamagh, Newtownford, Co Longford; and his brother, Mr Michael Byrne (35), Cloocoose, Co Longford.