by Andrew Carey
A WELL-KNOWN property developer is to face trial on allegations he fraudulently claimed his father’s pension, carers and fuel allowances for up to ten months after his death.
Peter Stritch (48) of Bellisle, Clonlara made no reply when the 25 counts of theft were put to him at Limerick District Court on Tuesday.
Judge Eugene O’Kelly was told that the Director Of Public Prosecutions directed that Mr Stritch be sent forward for trial in relation to 22 charges of defrauding the Department of Social Protection of almost €29,000 and three charges of presenting cheques to Ulster Bank in his father’s name drawn down from a Canada Life pension totalling over €400.
It is alleged that Peter Stritch was an assigned agent for his father, Michael, with authority to collect his pension. He was appointed in July 2012, the same month his father died.
The charges allege that he claimed payments and allowances at Garryowen Post office on fortnightly dates between September 2012 and May 2013 and that he stole cheques from the Canada Life pension and presented them at the Ulster Bank in Limerick on December 24, 2012; February 12 and April 3, 2013.
Sergeant Adrian Whelan sought an adjournment for the preparation and service of a book of evidence with the agreement of defending solicitor John Herbert.
Judge O’Kelly granted the application and remanded Mr Stritch on continuing bail until September 9.
