Rugby charter flight woman sent to trial

A 37-year-old Limerick woman will be sent forward for trial to the Circuit Court for illegally chartering planes to bring Munster Rugby fans to two away European Cup matches in 2004 and 2005. Pamela Hickey of Ashford, Patrickswell, was served with two separate books of evidence, arising out of the same charges, at Limerick District Court. 

She is charged with chartering services of Monarch Airlines by deception. It is alleged that the offences took place in December 2004 and January 2005 in connection with return flights from Shannon Airport to Gatwick.

Ms Hickey also faces a charge of forgery contrary to the Criminal Justice and Theft Act on January 14, 2005, at a Limerick address.

Detective Garda Michael Kilfeather,  Bureau for Fraud and Investigation, served one book to the accused, while Detective Garda Margaret Nagle served the second book.

Inspector Brendan McDonagh told the court that the DPP consented to Ms Hickey being sent forward to the next sittings of Circuit Criminal Court.

Solicitor John Devane was appointed as legal aid and afforded one counsel for the trial.

Ms Hickey is on continued bail but Judge O’Donnell marked that two separate bonds of €250 each be posted against each book of evidence.

The case was adjourned to the next sittings of Limerick Circuit Court.