An accountant has been returned for trial on charges relating to fraud by abuse of position some of which date back eight years.
Appearing for a committal hearing was Ernest Reddick (61) from Diamond Rad, Dromore, County Down who faces five charges, comprising three counts of fraud by abuse of position in relation to two companies who were his clients.
In the first it is alleged while occupying a position in which he was expected to safeguard, or not to act against, the financial interests of you KPCM Display Limited and KEPES Limited, failed to forward the full amounts to HMRC in respect of VAT with the intention, by means of the abuse of that position to make a gain for yourself or another or to cause loss to the complainants.
It is also alleged he committed this offence again in respect of KPCM Display Limited involving money for payment of Corporation Tax.
There are also two charges of false accounting whereby Reddick allegedly defaced, concealed or falsified certain account records or documents namely VAT records submitted to HMRC on behalf of both complainants.
Offending is alleged to have occurred over various dates between March 1, 2018 and September 30, 2024.
No details surrounding the circumstances of the alleged offences were disclose during the brief hearing at Lisburn Magistrates Court, however the funds involved are in the region of £80,000.
A prosecuting lawyer said there is a case to answer which was agreed by District Judge Rosemary Watters.
Reddick spoke only to confirm his identity and that he understood the charges against him.
He declined to call witnesses or give evidence on his own behalf at this stage.
