DUBLIN, IRELAND — Former Trinity College employee Helen Richardson, 46, appeared in court today facing 102 charges related to a €570,000 fraud involving the university’s Student Hardship Fund.
Richardson, formerly the Undergraduate Student Support Officer, is accused of 51 counts of theft and 51 counts of money laundering tied to alleged offences committed in 2020 and 2021.
Two co-accused, Luke Taffe (34) from Artane and Daniel Dwyer (45) from Raheny, also appeared before Dublin District Court. Taffe faces 20 charges of money laundering, while Dwyer faces 14 similar charges. Both are accused of handling proceeds of criminal conduct linked to the same fund.
All three were arrested at their homes earlier this morning and brought to Pearse Street Garda Station. None responded to the charges during court proceedings.
Legal aid was granted to the accused due to their financial situations, including Richardson being on social welfare and Dwyer supporting three children.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that the trial proceed by indictment. Bail was granted with conditions including staying away from each other and witnesses, and notifying Gardai of any address changes.
Court dates were set for October 2 for Richardson and Dwyer’s case for service of evidence, and September 3 for Taffe’s case for disclosure.
