An Aer Lingus worker facing trial over an alleged illegal immigrant smuggling operation at Dublin airport has been granted legal aid.
Frederick Cham, 61, has been charged with two counts of organising or facilitating the entry of non-Irish nationals into the state.
Mr Cham was arrested following an investigation by the Garda National Immigration Bureau. The court was told previously that it would be alleged that he, along with others, helped illegal immigrants to bypass passport control.
Mr Cham was previously refused legal aid and gardaí objected to his renewed application.
The prosecution told the court that Mr Cham had not fully disclosed his assets and gave details of bank accounts in the UK and Hong Kong. The court was also told that Mr Cham owned two cars, a Mini Cooper and a limited edition Alfa Romeo. Lawyers for Mr Cham, of Railway Cottages, Hazelhatch, Celbridge, Co Kildare but originally from Hong Kong, said that he no longer received his weekly €400 salary from Aer Lingus and that his wife, in China, was dependant on him. His cars have a value of €7,000.
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Judge Karen O’Connor raised concerns about the lack of detail provided by Mr Cham but said she was aware he was facing very serious charges and a trial that could take two weeks. She said legal representation was therefore desirable and granted legal aid.