Dublin solicitor accused over 50m euro fraud
A Dublin solicitor has appeared in court charged with a 50m euro (£42m) fraud.
Thomas Byrne faced a total of of 52 offences at Dublin District Court.
Mr Byrne, 45, of Aungier Street in Dublin, is charged in relation to various property transactions between 2004 and 2007.
He faces charges of theft relating to mortgage funds, deception and using false instruments.
The charges relate to residential properties in Dorset Street, Crumlin, Clondalkin and south Dublin and relate to six banks including Anglo Irish Bank and Bank of Scotland Ireland.
The court was told that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment and that the book of evidence will be ready next month.
The judge granted Mr Byrne legal aid and remanded him on continuing bail until 2 March.
Mr Byrne ran a solicitor's practice in Walkinstown in south west Dublin.