Barrister agrees to pay €200k

A BARRISTER has agreed to pay €200,000, including costs, as part of the terms of settlement of a two-year dispute over a Dublin city centre premises, the High Court was told yesterday.

Barrister Patrick Russell was threatened with jail by Mr Justice Peter Kelly earlier this year over his failure to meet contractual obligations concerning premises at Unit 7, Inns Court, Dublin.

Yesterday he settled proceedings brought against him by legal costs accountants Paul Behan.

Mr Justice Kelly said he was glad the parties had been able to reach agreement. However, the judge added, it was a “great pity” Mr Russell had not adopted this approach at a much earlier stage as he would have saved himself much trouble, court orders and a great deal of difficulty.

The case was before Mr Justice Kelly for a hearing to decide the amount of damages to be paid to Mr Behan arising from Mr Russell’s failures.

However, after talks between the sides, the judge was told by Paul Coughlan BL, for Mr Behan, the matter had been resolved on written terms which the court was being asked to receive and file.

Thee €200,000 is to be paid from the proceeds of sale of a property — Hill of Downs, Clonard, Co Meath, owned by Mr Russell. That property is to be put up for sale in January.