Former Canada Life agent accused of stealing €800,000

A former Canada Life agent is to stand trial accused of theft of approximately €800,000 from investors.

Martin Reilly, 58, with an address at Westside Estate, Togher, Co Cork met officers from the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation (GBFI) by appointment in Dublin city-centre on Wednesday.

He was charged with 80 counts of theft from multiple alleged injured parties by dishonestly appropriating various sums from funds entrusted to him for purpose of investing with Canada Life.

The offences are alleged to have happened in Co. Louth from 2006 until 2011 when he worked as a tied agent for the company.

He was brought before Judge Anthony Halpin at Dublin District Court where Det Garda Niamh Seberry gave evidence of the arrest. She told Judge Halpin the accused "made no reply to any of the charges" at Pearse Street station on Wednesday.

The defendant has not yet indicated how he will plead.

There was no objection to bail and the DPP has directed “trial on indictment” meaning the case will go forward for trial to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Halpin agreed to impose bail conditions sought by the GBFI detective. He told Mr Reilly he must sign on at Togher Garda station every Monday and Friday, and he must inform gardaí if he intends leaving the jurisdiction or wants to change address.

Judge Halpin remanded Mr Reilly, who did not address the court, on bail in his own bond of €200. He ordered the 58-year-old to appear again on April 1 next when it is expected the book of evidence will be served and he will be returned for trial.

Legal aid was granted after defence solicitor Patrick Godwin furnished the court with a statement of his client's mean.