Bail granted OAP (72) and three family members facing trial on 60 charges of compo claim fraud

FOUR members of an extended Dublin family are facing trial for insurance claim fraud on a combined total of 60 charges.

The accused - a pensioner, a carer and two men on disability allowance - were charged following a garda investigation into alleged bogus personal injury compensation cases over several years.

Winnifred Lawrence (72), Eileen Lawrence (50), Patrick Lawrence (58) and Thomas Lawrence (21) were all granted bail when they appeared in Dublin District Court today.

Judge Treasa Kelly adjourned the cases for the preparation of books of evidence.

This morning, gardai said the DPP directed trial on indictment at the circuit court in each case and the accused could also be sent forward on a signed plea of guilty if that should arise.

Detective Garda Darren Hughes of the Garda National Economic Crime bureau said he arrested Winnifred Lawrence at Ronanstown garda station for the purpose of charge this morning.

The accused, from Moorfield Grove in Clondalkin was charged with 18 offences at 8.39am today and made no reply to any of the counts after caution.

Her charges include deception under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act and dishonestly providing information under the Civil Liabilities and Courts Act.

One charge alleges she dishonestly induced Liberty Insurance to compensate her in a personal injuries claim in the name of another, to a value of €12,460, on September 11, 2012.

Another charge on the same date states that she dishonestly gave instructions or information in relation to a personal injuries action to a named lawyer.

Winnifred Lawrence’s defence solicitor Matthew Kenny said a book of evidence would be needed for his client and she “will be taking a trial.”

She was in receipt of a pension, Mr Kenny said.

The other three accused all have the same address at Moy Glas Glade, Lucan and were all charged at Clondalkin garda station this morning.

Garda Ivor Scully said he arrested Eileen Lawrence for the purpose of charge and she made no reply to her 23 charges after she was cautioned at 9.29am.

Her charges include a count of providing misleading information in an affidavit, on May 31, 2016.

Representing her, along with the other two accused, solicitor William Cadogan said Eileen Lawrence was a carer for her son.

Gda Scully said Patrick Lawrence made no reply to his 17 charges.

Patrick Lawrence’s charges include deception - dishonestly inducing IPB Insurance to compensate him in another’s name, on April 30, 2016.

He was unemployed and on disability allowance, Mr Cadogan said.

Thomas Lawrence is charged with two offences, including one count of deception by inducing IPB to compensate him in another man’s name, on September 20, 2016.

Gda Scully said Thomas Lawrence made no reply to either of his charges after caution at 9.25pm. He was also on disability allowance, Mr Cadogan said.

Judge Kelly granted bail in each accused’s own bond of €300, with no cash lodgements required. There were no garda objections to bail.

The judge also granted free legal aid after statements of the accused’s financial means were handed in by their solicitors.

The accused were all remanded on bail to May 6. Time was extended for the preparation of the books of evidence.