Former Irish rugby star on trial for theft

NEWS: Former Ireland rugby international Brendan Mullin went on trial in Dublin on Tuesday accused of stealing more than 500,000 euros (R9.6m)  from a bank as well as deception, and furnishing false information.

The 60-year-old, who was a member of the 1985 Irish Triple Crown-winning team and also played for the British and Irish Lions, pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to all 15 charges against him.

The charges, ranging from theft, deception, and furnishing false information to the bank authorising payment of invoices, allegedly took place between 2011 and 2013.

The alleged offences took place at a bank branch in Dublin where Mullin formerly worked.

The trial is expected to take up to five weeks.

Mullin won 55 caps for Ireland between 1984 and 1995, scoring 17 tries, and also played at three World Cups in 1987, 1991 and 1995.