FitzPatrick to be quizzed over ownership of office block

Former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick is to face a cross-examination in the Bankruptcy Court in the new year about a high rise office block in London.

The court official in charge of Mr FitzPatrick’s bankruptcy, Chris Lehane, plans to question Mr FitzPatrick over ownership of the Woolgate Exchange in London.

Lawyers representing Mr FitzPatrick, in separate criminal proceedings, had previously argued that the examination of their client in the Bankruptcy Court could prejudice the criminal case. They had asked the court to adjourn any cross-examination until the criminal case has been completed.

Mr Lehane’s lawyers contended there was no connection between the issue for cross-examination and the criminal action.

Yesterday when the matter was mentioned before Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne, Mr FitzPatrick’s solicitor, Michael Staines, said that he was happy for the cross examination of his client to go ahead.

This was because the issue on which his client will be questioned on was narrow enough that it would not impact on the forthcoming criminal proceedings, Mr Staines said.

In relation to the cross examination and the media coverage that would ensue, he asked that the court be mindful of the fact that criminal proceedings against his client are in being.

Ms Justice Dunne said the proposed examination of Mr FitzPatrick would only deal with a very discrete issue and not impact on the criminal case. The judge then adjourned the matter to a date in January for mention only.

In Jul 2010, the High Court officially declared Mr FitzPatrick bankrupt after being informed he had failed to get sufficient support from his creditors for a private settlement scheme to pay off his debts.

Mr FitzPatrick, from Greystones, Co Wicklow, is estimated to have debts of €150m and assets of €47m.