Judge passes interim ban on naming woman accused of £2.3m fraud at Tyrone company

An interim order has been passed protecting the identity of a woman accused of embezzling £2.3m from her employer using fraudulent bank statements.

The decision was made by District Judge John Meehan when she appeared before Dungannon Magistrates Court today (Friday).
The woman is charged with fraud by abuse of position whilst employed at a County Tyrone company where it is alleged she conducted fraudulent transactions to the value of £2.3m over an eight year period.

She is further accused of concealing criminal property, having fraudulent Ulster Bank statements and using them in connection with fraud.
The offences are alleged to have occurred from 1 January 2008 until 28 February 2016.
Giving evidence in court, a detective on the case said he believed all charges could be connected to the accused.
Defence counsel argued for an anonymity order in relation to the case, but court heard that neither the PPS or press had been made aware of the application, and so a press challenge has been submitted.
Defence counsel tried to argue they were not required to put press on notice despite a ruling by the Lord Chief Justice in 2013 on the principles of ensuring press freedom under public interest.

The accused was remanded on continuing bail with another hearing to decide whether anonymity should be granted, which is listed for next month.
District Judge John Meehan imposed the interim order whilst press submit a challenge.