AN ALLEGED fraudster accused of trying to scam three golf clubs must remain in custody to protect the public, Northern Ireland’s most senior judge has ruled.
Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan refused bail to Gavin Chism (27), a baker, after hearing claims he used cheque book and card deception to try to buy large amounts of equipment.
Mr Chism, Garvaghy Park, Portadown, is accused of targeting Royal County Down Golf Club, Kilkeel Golf Club and another club in Lisburn in June and July.
He is charged with three counts each of fraud by false representation and possession of articles for use in fraud.
He denies the allegations.
The High Court was told that the offences were allegedly committed while Mr Chism was on bail for 35 other counts of cheque- book fraud.
A crown lawyer said that Mr Chism was arrested on July 26th after failed attempts to make purchases from Royal County Down and Kilkeel golf clubs on the same day.
Refusing bail, Sir Declan said: “I have to make a judgment on the entitlement of him to his liberty against the public having to be protected from this type of behaviour when there is evidence that it is going to be repeated and hard-working people are going to lose out.”
The judge ruled that the balance had to be in favour of public protection.