Derry accountant admits fraud charges

A Derry accountant will be sentenced next month after pleading guilty to a total of 19 charges including fraud by false representation, theft, fraudulently claiming tax credits and concealing criminal property.

James Heaney (45), of Spruce Meadows in the Culmore area, appeared at Derry Crown Court today.

He had previously pleaded guilty to 15 charges and today he pleaded guilty to two charges of fraud by false representation and two of fraudulently claiming tax credits by undervaluing his earnings.

All the offences occurred between June 2011 and May 2013.

Sentencing was adjourned to October 9 to allow the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Heaney was released on continuing bail.

Charges of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation against two co-accused, Christine Heaney (24) and Keith James Heaney (22), also of Spruce Meadow, were dropped after a jury was instructed to bring in a not guilty verdict.