Expert witness claims he was intimidated by Anglo official

A FINANCIAL expert was warned of “dire consequences” for himself by an official of Anglo Irish Bank if he provided evidence for a businessman in proceedings alleging fraudulent misrepresentation and concealment by Anglo and another company relating to an investment fund for two hotels in New York, it has been claimed at the Commercial Court.

Anglo has strongly denied the claims of intimidation of expert Tom Barry, a former head of corporate banking with AIB, made in proceedings brought against it by businessman Gerard McCaughey.

It is alleged an Anglo official told Mr Barry a substantial judgment obtained by the bank against Mr Barry over property dealings he had in London was currently in the “bottom drawer” but, if Mr Barry submitted an expert witness statement for Mr McCaughey, it was likely the judgment would come out of the bottom drawer and Mr Barry’s name “would be appearing in the papers tomorrow”.