Northern Ireland

Four to stand trial for alleged involvement in banking fraud

Two men and two women appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court
Two men and two women appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court Two men and two women appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court

TWO men and two women are to stand trial for alleged involvement in a banking fraud of up to £78,000.

Jack Harrington Legen appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court charged with eight counts of fraud by abuse of position.

Legen, of unknown age and with an address at Castle Lane in Comber, Co Down, is accused of committing the offences in June 2012.

According to court papers he allegedly transferred sums of between £9,000 and £10,000 from Santander bank accounts while occupying a position expected to safeguard its financial interests.

Standing beside him in the dock were Kerry Patterson (28) of Grove Street East, Caroline Zielinska (28) from Tower Street and Roland Hlacs (35) of Rutherglen Street - all in Belfast.

They are each charged with one count of aiding and abetting the alleged fraud.

None of the four accused gave evidence or called witnesses during the preliminary enquiry hearing.

Defence lawyers did not contest prosecution submissions that their clients all have a case to answer.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall then granted an application to have them returned for Crown Court trial on a date to be fixed.

All four defendants were released on continuing bail.