Seán Fitzpatrick to stand trial next year over €139m loans

Former Anglo Irish Bank chairman accused of failing to make disclosures to bank’s auditors

Former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean Fitzpatrick pictured leaving Irishtown Garda Station in Dublin in May. Photograph: Aidan Crawley/The Irish Times
Former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean Fitzpatrick pictured leaving Irishtown Garda Station in Dublin in May. Photograph: Aidan Crawley/The Irish Times

Former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Seán Fitzpatrick is to stand trial in October 2014 on charges of failing to make disclosures to the bank's auditors about loans he received.

A trial date was requested by Mr Fitzpatrick’s defence counsel today at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Martin Nolan was told that the trial will take about two months.

Judge Nolan fixed October 7th, 2014 for the trial. He also listed the case for the earlier date of July 25th, 2014 for an update on the trial preparations.

Mr FitzPatrick (65) of Camaderry, Whitshed Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow is charged under Section 197 of the Companies Act 1990.

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He faces 12 counts of failing to disclose to auditors Ernst & Young the true value of loans worth at least €139 million given to him or people connected to him, by Irish Nationwide Building Society from 2002 to 2007 while he was an officer of the bank.

On a hearing date in March the court was told the trial can likely not take place until late 2014. This is to allow a period of ‘fade’ regarding expected media coverage of the accused’s trial in early 2014 on separate matters.

Mr Fitzpatrick was not present at today’s short hearing after being excused from attendance on a previous date.