Former Trinity College employee charged with 102 offences over €500k university fraud

Sunday World

09-07-2025

The alleged offending occurred between 2020 and 2021 and involved money being paid out to people who had never actually attended the university
A former Trinity College employee has been charged with 102 theft and money laundering offences relating to the alleged defrauding of over half a million euro from the university.
Helen Richardson (46) and two co-accused appeared before the Dublin District Court this morning as part of a fraud investigation into the payment of over €500,000 from the Trinity College Hardship Fund.
The alleged offending occurred between 2020 and 2021 and involved money being paid out to people who had never actually attended the university.
Detective Garda Joseph Heaphy gave evidence of arresting Ms Richardson at her home in Beaupark Square, Clongriffin, at 8.14am today.
She was conveyed to Pearse Street garda station where she was charged with 102 offences by Sergeant Cliff Harding.
The court heard the accused made no reply to any of the charges. She had been employed as the Undergraduate Student Support Officer at the time of the alleged offending.
Ms Richardson faces 51 charges of theft from Trinity College Dublin contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.
She is further charged with 51 counts of engaging in transferring property that was the proceeds of criminal conduct, to wit money from the Student Hardship Fund of Trinity College Dublin, while knowing it was the proceeds of criminal conduct.
Detective Garda Heaphy told the court that there were no objections to bail but added that gardaí were seeking conditions.
He requested that the accused provide gardaí with a telephone number within 24 hours and that she inform gardaí if she intends to move home address.
Det Gda Heaphy also asked that Ms Richardson have no contact with any of the witnesses involved in the case or her two co-defendants.
Helen Richardson (46) of Beaupark Square, Clongriffin
Judge Paula Murphy granted the accused bail in her own bond of €300 and applied the conditions sought by gardaí.
The court heard that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed that she should face trial on indictment before the Circuit Court and had consented to the matter being sent forward on a signed plea.
The detective also sought a four-week adjournment for service of the book of evidence, adding that it is a 'very significant investigation'.
Defence solicitor Edward Bradbury applied for legal aid saying his client is currently in receipt of social welfare, which was granted.
The accused, wearing a black jumper and denim jeans, did not address the court during the brief hearing and left the court complex shortly after being granted bail.
Helen Richardson (46) of Beaupark Square, Clongriffin
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Another defendant Luke Taffe (33), of Brookwood Avenue in Artane, faces 20 money laundering charges as part of the investigation.
He is accused of converting/transferring/acquiring/possessing/using property that is the proceeds of criminal conduct, to wit different sums from the Student Hardship Fund of Trinity College, while knowing it was the proceeds of criminal conduct.
Daniel Dwyer (47), of Edenmore Avenue in Dublin, faces 14 money laundering charges.
This includes converting €15,590 from the university's fund at the Central Bank of Ireland in the IFSC, North Wall Quay, while knowing it was the proceeds of criminal conduct.
These charges are contrary to Section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010.
The three accused are due to appear before the district court again in October for service of a book of evidence.