Downpatrick travel agent denies fraud charges

Downpatrick travel agent denies fraud charges

10 April 2013

A DOWNPATRICK travel agent has denied 80 charges which allege she defrauded over 60 of her customers.

Kathy Ward (39), also known as Kathy Maguire, pleaded not guilty in her first appearance at Downpatrick Crown Court on Thursday.

Ward, who ran La Mon Travel, denied 28 charges of fraud by false representation, 33 of fraud by abuse of position, 18 of theft and one of forgery.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between September 2009 and February 2010.

Co-accused William McConkey (47) also denied five counts of fraud by false representation and two of theft.

Both defendants are from Newcastle's Tollymore Brae, and spoke only to confirm their identity and enter not guilty pleas at Thursday's hearing.

Prosecuting lawyer Sam Maguire said there was "extensive paperwork" in the case, which could see up to 120 witnesses being called to give evidence.

"It would be good at this stage to determine how many of these are really going to be required for the trial," he said.

Judge Stephen Fowler QC, who also referred to the paperwork as "voluminous" in this "complex and serious case", said it was important the details should be presented in an accessible way to the jury.

Defence barrister Sean Devine said their case was at a "reasonably advanced stage of preparation".

The case was adjourned until later this month to discuss the setting of a trial date.