A FIFTH man appeared before Kilkenny District Court this week, charged in relation to organised deception and fraudulent practices relating to the tampering of identification passports and microchips of horses presented for slaughter.

Damien McKeown, Killapogue, Croghan, Boyle, Roscommon is charged with conspiracy to defraud contrary to common law and of possession of a false instrument at Emerald Isle Foods in Thomastown on dates between January 1st 2017 and June 30th 2019.

Detective Garda Tara Smith of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) told the court that she had arrested the defendant and charged him earlier that day (Tuesday).

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed trial on indictment in the case.

The defendant was granted bail on condition that he does not associate with the other co-accused in this case. Judge John Brennan remanded the defendant on his own bond of €300 to Kilkenny District Court on March 27th for the service of a book of evidence.

It is alleged that the defendant, along with four other men, conspired to defraud Emerald Isle Foods Limited through a scheme to alter the identity of horses contrary to common law.

Remanded on bail

The four co-accused were earlier remanded on bail bonds of €10,000 each at a recent court hearing and were also directed to appear again before Kilkenny District Court on March 27th for service of the book of evidence.

James Derwin of Auburn, Dublin Road, Athlone, Co Westmeath, James Mee of Drumnore, Clonee, Co Leitrim, Derek Nolan of Lisduff, Mount Talbot, Co Roscommon and Philip O’Neill of Leam, Boyle, Co Roscommon are charged with conspiracy to defraud in the case.