A 68-year-old man in Castlebar is to face 121 charges relating to alleged social welfare fraud.
Gardaí arrested Thomas Leniston, 12 Cashel Park, Castlebar, on Wednesday morning in connection with what they described as an investigation into ‘substanital’ fraud.
Leniston was detained at Castlebar Garda Station and brought before Judge Mary Devins at Castlebar District Court.
The alleged offences relate to defrauding the Department of Social Protection through the collection of disability payments, carers allowance, and respite care grants.
The fraud is alleged to have taken place over a 14-year period from 2000 until February, 2014.
Inspector Mandy Gaynor told the district court Leniston made no reply to the charges.
She said the DPP had directed he be sent forward for trial on indictment.
Leniston was released on his own bond of €300 and is to appear back before the court on November 18 for the service of the book of evidence.
As part of his bail terms, Leniston surrendered his passport and was ordered to sign-on at Castlebar Garda Station three days a week.
Solicitor for Leniston was Tom Walsh. An application for legal aid was deferred.
