Northern Ireland

Man returned for trial on series of tax fraud charges

James Heaney (53) with an address at St Michael's Close, Finchley in London appeared at a preliminary enquiry at Derry magistrates court
James Heaney (53) with an address at St Michael's Close, Finchley in London appeared at a preliminary enquiry at Derry magistrates court

A man has been returned for trial to Derry Crown Court on a series of tax fraud charges.

James Heaney (53) with an address at St Michael's Close, Finchley in London appeared at a preliminary enquiry at Derry magistrates court on Thursday.

He faces six charges, including cheating the public revenue on dates between April 6 2013 and November 19 2020.

Heaney was also charged with fraudulently claiming tax credit on dates between April 6 2013 and April 5 2019 and conspiring to make fraudulent financial documents on dates between July 31 2016 and November 30 2018.

He was further charged with possessing articles in connection with fraud including false bank statements and a false P60 on November 29 2018.

Finally, he was charged with fraud by false representation in connection with a false tax return on May 22 2014.

It was accepted there was a case to answer and there were no contrary submissions. 

Heaney said he did not wish to make any statement or call any witnesses at this stage. 

He was returned for trial to Derry Crown Court on September 7 and released on bail.