Gilligan’s appeal against CAB ruling set for October

THE Supreme Court will hear later this year an appeal by convicted drug dealer John Gilligan and other members of his family aimed at preventing several properties owned by them, including the Jessbrook Equestrian Centre in Co Meath, being handed over to the state after a High Court finding that they are the proceeds of crime.

After dealing with a number of issues in preparation for the appeal yesterday, the Supreme Court fixed October 15th as the date for the appeal. John Gilligan was in court for the brief proceedings amid tight security.

If the Supreme Court rejects the appeal, the state will be entitled to proceed to sell the properties.

The affected properties include Jeesbrook House, lands and arena; the former Gilligan family home in Corduff Avenue, Blanchardstown; and two houses in Lucan, bought by John Gilligan for his son Darren and daughter Tracey.

After the High Court decided the properties represented the proceeds of crime, CAB’s legal officer Frank Cassidy was appointed receiver over them. He has made arrangements for insuring and renting out a number of the properties.

CAB has also put in place a caretaker agreement which it wants Geraldine Gilligan to sign as a condition of remaining in the house attached to the Jessbrook centre. Ms Gilligan says Jessbrook House is her home and has expressed unhappiness with the agreement.

Issues in relation to the agreement will again come before the High Court next week. Ms Gilligan has expressed concern that gardaí would have access to the house and with issues concerning water and heating.

John Gilligan is serving a 20-year sentence for possession of cannabis resin, and was convicted in 2001 after a lengthy trial.

The Special Criminal Court acquitted him of the murder of journalist Veronia Guerin in June 1996. Gilligan was convicted of possession of an estimated 20,000 kilograms of cannabis resin over a two-year period and was jailed for 28 years, later reduced to 20 years.

CAB was granted a High Court order in December 1996 preventing the Gilligans dealing with or otherwise disposing of the properties. A seven-year period must elapse before assets “frozen” under court order may be sold.