Dublin man to face trial in Wicklow accused of stealing €200,000 from investor
The Wicklow PeopleA Dublin man accused of gambling away €200,000 invested in a PPE import scheme during the Covid-19 pandemic is to face trial at the Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court
Evan Rothwell (61), with an address at The Richmond, Brunswick Street, Co. Dublin, appeared before a sitting of Bray District Court charged with 53 counts of theft.
It is alleged that the complainant entered into an investment partnership with Mr Rothwell to import PPE equipment during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The alleged injured party invested €200,000, but no equipment was ever ordered.
Mr Rothwell is accused of gambling away the invested funds, with gardaí allegedly recovering none of the money.
Sergeant Mick Canavan informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that the matter be dealt with on indictment, meaning the case will proceed at the Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court, where significantly higher penalties can be imposed.
Counsel for the defendant, Ciara O’Brien, stated that disclosure had not yet been received by Peter Connolly Solicitors.
The court was told that there was “quite a lot of disclosure” and that the matter would be sent forward, with Judge Andy Gubbins directing that general disclosure be furnished, while the remainder would be available in the book of evidence.
The matter was adjourned until July for the preparation of a book of evidence.