Redmond in court on corruption charges

The former assistant Dublin city and county manager, Mr George Redmond, has appeared in Dublin District Court on corruption charges relating to land transactions in west Dublin.

Mr Redmond (76) was arrested yesterday by detectives from the Criminal Assets Bureau and charged with four offences under anti-corruption legislation.

The first charge is that he corruptly received a gift of money from Mr Brendan Fassnidge as an inducement or reward in relation to the sale of a strip of land in Palmerstown by Dublin County Council to Mr Fassnidge. The offence is alleged to have taken place at an unknown date between December 1st, 1987, and March 1st, 1988.

Mr Redmond is also charged with corruptly accepting a gift of money as an inducement or reward for "showing favour" to an individual in relation to this transaction.

The second set of charges relates to the compulsory purchase by Dublin County Council of 167 acres at Buzzardstown and Coolmine. Mr Redmond is charged with corruptly receiving £10,000 as an inducement or reward for doing, or forbearing to do, anything about this compulsory purchase order. A related charge alleges that he "showed favour" to someone in relation to this transaction at a date unknown between June 1st, 1985, and June 1st, 1986.

The charges were brought under the Prevention of Corruption Acts, 1906 and 1916, and the Public Bodies Corrupt Practices Act, 1889.

Det Insp Pat Byrne told the court that he met the accused at College Gate at 11.30 a.m. yesterday by arrangement. Mr Redmond was taken to the Bridewell and charged. He made no reply to all charges.

Det Insp Byrne said the book of evidence had been prepared, and this was served on Mr Redmond during the proceedings.

In relation to bail Mr Anthony Harris, solicitor for Mr Redmond, said there was no suggestion that his client had ever attempted to avoid matters before the court. He had made a large tax settlement with the Revenue Commissioners on another matter. He asked that this be taken into consideration.

Asked by Judge David Anderson about Mr Redmond's means, Mr Harris said his client was in receipt of a county council pension of £30,000 a year.

Mr Redmond, who did not speak during the 10-minute hearing, was remanded on bail on his own bond of £900. Judge Anderson adjourned the case until May 29th.