Callely pleads guilty to making bogus phone expense claim

Former junior minister Ivor Callely has pleaded guilty to fraudulently using an invoice.

Mr Callely (54) pleaded guilty to using a Business Communication Limited Invoice dated January 2002 as a false instrument on dates between November 21st and 22nd at Leinster House, Kildare Street.

Judge Mary Ellen Ring, at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, set a sentence date of July 22nd, 2014 when full facts will be heard.

Tony McGillicuddy BL, defending, said he expected the sentence hearing to take 40 minutes.

Mr Callely, of St Lawrence’s Road, Clontarf, had been due to stand later this month after being sent forward from the District Court on charges relating to using invoices as false instruments for receipt of expenses for handsets and equipment, under the Oireachtas members direct purchase mobile phone scheme.