Judge ‘not biased’ over bankruptcy

A High Court judge yesterday rejected claims he was biased when considering Bank of Ireland’s application to have solicitor Brian O’Donnell and his psychiatrist wife, Dr Mary Patricia, declared bankrupt.

Mr Justice Peter Charleton said both his privacy and constitutional rights had been breached after a member of the O’Donnell family disclosed publicly in court that the judge has a mortgage with the Bank of Ireland.

The disclosure was made after Judge Charleton had been told the O’Donnells were seeking to have his decision to adjudicate them bankrupt deemed a mistrial.