Update in case involving doctors and secretary charged with Longford theft and deception
The two doctors and secretary have also been charged with submitting false medical service claims on behalf of patients to the HSE.
A judge has directed barristers representing two midlands doctors and a secretary charged with multiple counts of stealing money under a state-funded healthcare reimbursement scheme to furnish a letter within four weeks in respect of any alleged outstanding evidence and information.
The case against Waqas Farooqi (46), of Belvedere Hills, Mullingar, Co Westmeath and his co-accused doctor Muhammad Azam (59), of The Rocks, Stonepark, Co Longford and secretary Gillian McCord (56) of Knockanboy, Co Longford was mentioned at Longford Circuit Court last week.
The three defendants have also been charged with submitting false medical service claims on behalf of patients to the HSE.
Longford Circuit Court previously heard that a jury would be required in relation to the case against doctor Mr Farooqi for a trial that is believed will last for around four weeks.
During the recent preliminary hearing, Barrister for the State, Stephen Faulkner BL, said it was listed for mention 'as there was concerns raised at previous sessions that disclosure had not been furnished'.
He added, "Disclosure from the prosecutions point of view has been furnished and is fully finished at this stage and is closed.
"We will be seeking a trial date to be fixed but given the duration of the trial I'm simply asking at this stage to go in for mention for the 7th of July to fix a trial date."
Judge Kenneth Connolly ordered for the three co-accused to ‘furnish a letter within four weeks in respect of any alleged outstanding disclosure’.
Judge Connolly stated that the State would deal with that within a ‘further six weeks thereafter or any such further time as the court will extend’.
He remanded the trio on continuing bail on the same terms and conditions until July 7 next.