A man has been accused of attempted fraud and of providing “untrue or deceitful evidence” in a civil case, following his unsuccessful claim for €2.3 million in compensation for injuries sustained during a hotel window fall 15 years ago. Jason Platt, 52, was granted bail following his arrest by the National Economic Crime Unit of the Irish Police (GNECB) after landing at Dublin Airport.
Over a decade ago, the ex-chef sustained injuries from a fall while staying at the Old Bank House Hotel in Kinsale, during a trip with his partner. The event led to Platt’s personal injury damages claim, which was rejected by the High Court in 2015.
He appeared in front of Judge Bryan Smyth in Dublin District Court last Friday, where he faced eight potential charges. These included an attempt to deceive Aviva Insurance between August 2010 and June 2015, which is in violation of common law.
Further charges under the Civil Liabilities Act were also levelled at Mr Platt for providing false or misleading evidence to a High Court in Dublin, a doctor at Beaumont Hospital, in an affidavit, and for influencing a doctor to provide false evidence in 2015.
A resident of Thatto Heath, St Helen’s, Merseyside in northwest England, Platt attended the hearing on crutches and remained silent throughout. If convicted, he could face up to a decade in prison. However, he is yet to enter a plea.
GNECB Detective Yvonne Costello informed the court that Platt made no comment when charged. The case is set to proceed to the Circuit Court following instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Bail was granted without objection, with conditions including a €1,000 deposit and a commitment not to withdraw a further €1,000 from Platt’s bank account. His solicitor, Matthew Kenny, provided the court with Platt’s contact details.
Judge Smyth has put an accused on bail with instructions to reappear on December 16th. On this date, the prosecution plans to provide him with the book of evidence and the granted order for trial. Judge Smyth advised Mr. Platt to maintain an open line of communication, to refrain from contacting witnesses in any form, and to be present at every court session when his presence is necessitated. The court awarded Mr. Platt legal aid, following the defence’s statement that he, being a recipient of disability benefits earning £250 per week in the UK, possesses no savings or assets.