Corruption case of former Wicklow town clerk adjourned

A former Wicklow county and town council official who is facing charges of corruption has had his case adjourned again at Wicklow Circuit Court.

Frank O’Toole (63), with an address in Wicklow town, appeared at the court sitting in Bray on charges of issuing a letter “for the purpose of corruptly obtaining an advantage for another person or persons contrary to section 8 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act 2001”.

The case was adjourned until July 14th to allow for further discovery of documents. Mr O’Toole was sent forward for trial from the District Court last October, and the case was adjourned, for discovery of documents, in December.

Mr O'Toole, who was represented by counsels Sara Jane Smyth and David Bulbulia instructed by Fitzgibbon Solicitors, stood at the rear of the packed court for Wednesday's short hearing.

The date of the alleged offence was June 9th 2006, a month before the end of Mr O'Toole's 10 years in the position of town clerk of Wicklow Town Council. He moved to Wicklow County Council in 2006 and is now retired.

Ms Smyth for Mr O’Toole told the court there was significant disclosure of documents in the case and some further time was needed to complete the process. Mr O’Toole was therefore seeking an adjournment in the case to allow time for complete disclosure.

Counsel for the DPP Paul Murray said the disclosure of documents might not amount to something considered substantial, but he was not objecting to an adjournment.

Judge Michael O’Shea said there was little chance of there being time in the court list before Easter, in which the case could be heard. He said he was remanding Mr O’Toole to the July 14th sitting of Wicklow Circuit Court.