Canada Life insurance agent to stand trial on €270k theft charges

A former Canada Life agent from Limerick is to stand trial accused of theft of some €270,000 from the company.

Patrick Walsh (33) from Camass North, Bruff, Co Limerick met officers from the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation in Dublin city-centre by appointment on Thursday.

Seventy-five charges were put to Mr Walsh for thefts of various sums from Canada Life, and using insurance policy application forms as false instruments. The offences are alleged to have happened when he worked as a tied agent for the company in 2010 and 2011 at locations in Dublin and Limerick.

He was brought before Judge Anthony Halpin at Dublin District Court where Det Sergeant Paschal Walsh gave evidence of the arrest. He told Judge Halpin that the accused made no reply when the 75 charges were put to him.

The defendant has not yet indicated how he will plead.

There was no objection to bail and the court heard Mr Walsh has already surrendered his passport, which was due to expire next month. Judge Halpin agreed to a request from the fraud squad detective to order the accused not to apply for a new passport.

The judge noted the DPP has directed "trial on indictment" meaning the case will go forward for trial to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Defence solicitor Dara Robinson said he understood the book of evidence will be completed in six weeks.

Judge Halpin remanded Mr Walsh, who did not address the court, on bail in his own bond of €500. He ordered the 33-year-old to appear again on February 20th next when it is expected the book of evidence will be served and he will be returned for trial.