Man facing charges of deceiving church over 19-year period

Man facing charges of deceiving church over 19-year period

13 April 2016

A DUNDRUM man has been accused of defrauding his church for almost 20 years.

Sixty three year-old Terence Connor faces two charges of fraud extending from January 1995 to April 2014 when he was the treasurer of Seaforde Presbyterian Church.

Connor, of Castle Heights, appeared at a preliminary enquiry at Downpatrick Court on Thursday and was released on bail pending an appearance at Downpatrick Crown Court on May 10.

Connor is accused of false accounting between 1995 and 2014 in that he failed to record the correct sum of money which should have been lodged in the church bank account.

He is also accused of fraud by abuse of position, alleging that he used his position within the church to use congregation funds for his own purposes between January 2007 and April 2014.

Appearing in court Connor confirmed he was aware of the two charges against him and did not object to the preliminary enquiry — the legal step needed to refer a case to the Crown Court.

While no facts surrounding the offences were opened in court, a prosecuting lawyer submitted to District Judge Peter King that the papers “disclose a prima facie case” against the alleged fraudster.

Connor’s defence solicitor had no contrary submissions during the hearing and Judge King said he had read the statements and was satisfied there was a case to answer.

The court clerk told Connor that although not obliged to, he had the right to comment on the charges, give evidence to the preliminary enquiry or call witnesses, but he said simply “no” when asked if he wanted to present any evidence or comment.

Releasing Connor on his own bail of £300, Judge King ordered him to appear before the Crown Court on May 10 for arraignment.

During an application for legal aid Connor’s defence solicitor revealed the defendant had sold his house to repay the money which had been taken.