Man in failed €2.3m compensation claim to face trial for attempted deception

Tom Tuite

A man who lost a €2.3 million compensation claim over injuries from a fall from a hotel window 15 years ago, is to stand trial accused of attempted deception and giving "false or misleading evidence" in a civil action.

Jason Platt (52) was granted bail at Dublin District Court on Friday after his arrest at Dublin Airport on Thursday by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB).

The former chef had been on a trip to Cork in February 2009 with his partner when he suffered injuries in the fall from the window of the Old Bank House Hotel in Kinsale.

However, in an unsuccessful High Court action in 2015, he lost his personal injury claim for damages.

On Friday, he appeared before Judge Bryan Smyth, facing eight alleged offences, including one for attempted deception of the Aviva insurance company, between August 2010 and June 2015, contrary to common law.

The remaining charges were under the Civil Liabilities Act for giving false or misleading evidence in the High Court in Dublin and to a doctor at a Beaumont Hospital, as well as in an affidavit, and causing false or misleading evidence to be given by a doctor in 2015.

Mr Platt, of Queensland Ave, Thatto Heath, St Helen's, Merseyside in England, was in crutches for the hearing but remained silent throughout the proceedings.

A conviction could result in a sentence of up to 10 years' imprisonment, and he has still to enter a plea.

GNECB Detective Yvonne Costello told the court that Mr Platt "made no reply" when charged.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed "trial on indictment" in the Circuit Court.

There was no objection to bail with conditions including a €1,000 lodgement and an undertaking not to withdraw a further €1,000 from an account.

His solicitor, Matthew Kenny, provided the court with his client's phone number and email address.

Judge Smyth remanded him on bail to appear again on December 16th when prosecutors are to serve him with a book of evidence and a trial order granted.

Judge Smyth told Mr Platt to remain contactable, not to contact witnesses directly or indirectly, and to appear in court on every occasion when required.

Legal aid was granted after the defence submitted that Mr Platt was on a disability benefit, getting £250 (€295) a week and "had no savings or assets".