Trial order for pair charged over Trinity College Student Hardship Fund fraud

Tom Tuite

Two people have been sent forward for trial in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud almost half a million euros from Trinity College's Student Hardship Fund.

46-year-old Helen Richardson from Beaupark Square, Clongriffin, Dublin, worked at Trinity College as a student support officer. She is facing over 102 theft and money laundering charges.

She is accused of stealing and transferring sums of between €1,550 and €3,000 on different dates between 2021 and 2022.

The money was allegedly from the university's student hardship fund.

The alleged offences are contrary to the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud) Act and the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act.

Ms Richardson, who no longer works at Trinity College and is currently on social welfare, made no reply to any of the charges when they were put to her on July 9th.

Co-accused, Daniel Dwyer, 45, from Edenmore Avenue in Dublin 5, is also facing 14 charges of converting, transferring, handling, acquiring, possessing or using property that is the proceeds of criminal conduct from the Student Hardship Fund of Trinity College Dublin, while also knowing it was the proceeds of criminal conduct.

They appeared again before Judge Paula Murphy at Dublin District Court on Thursday and were served with books of evidence.

She noted from State solicitor Niall Williams that the Director of Public Prosecutions consented to them being returned for trial on indictment.

Judge Murphy granted an order sending them forward for trial to the Circuit Court. Ms Richardson’s case will be listed for mention on November 6th, and Mr Dwyer’s two weeks later.

They have yet to indicate pleas, were granted legal aid and remanded on bail.