The main charge against a Department of Agriculture vet who is accused of possessing stolen cattle certificates was dismissed yesterday following a submission by solicitor Mr Garrett Sheehan.
However, Mr Colm Fox (56), Church Street, Skerries, Co Dublin, was returned for trial at Dublin District Court on four other charges of fraud and corruption.
Judge Terence Finn ruled the book of evidence should have contained a letter of consent from the Attorney General to proceed with a charge under the Official Secrets Act.
Mr Fox still faces a charge of corruptly receiving £3,000 to furnish the certificates on the same date, conspiring to defraud the Department of Agriculture, and handling the stolen certificates.
He is also accused of fraudulently converting £424.50p, the property of the Department of Agriculture. He was remanded on bail of £10,000.