DPP to decide on action over €200k debs debacle

GARDAÍ are confident they will be able to prosecute a self-styled events manager, who allegedly owes more than €200,000, following a debacle over organising school debs.

The Director of Public Prosecutions is shortly set to decide whether court proceedings will be initiated against Pat Browne.

Mr Browne, who previously lived in Upper Glanmire but has since moved to west Cork, is alleged to have taken deposits from students who booked him to organise their debs, but failed to pay hotels where the events were due to be held.

Complaints first surfaced 13 months ago and, since then, Gardaí have spoken to representatives from dozens of schools involved.

Mr Browne, aged 31, was alleged to have failed to honour monies owed to the booked venues — the Silver Springs Moran Hotel and Rochestown Park Hotel.

On July 20 last year, Browne reportedly failed to honour deposits totalling €24,920 due to the Silver Springs Moran Hotel, for 19 debs balls which he had booked.

Fortunately for the students, the hotel stepped in at the 11th hour to offer student groups a cost-price deal, thus salvaging their nights out.

Mr Browne had previously organised a number of similar events in the Roches- town Park Hotel in 2005 which he paid for in full. Due to his previous history, hotel management agreed to grant him credit the following year.

However, when the Rochestown Park Hotel sought, in September last year, the monies owed, they were not forthcoming. It is believed that hotel is owed in the region of €130,000.

Student groups reportedly paid between €75-€160 per student to Mr Browne to organise their debs balls. In one case, students at St Brogan’s College in Bandon, handed over €8,000 to organise their debs.

The money was to be used to pay for security, decorations, food, a band and DJ for the event, which was to be held at the Silver Springs Moran Hotel.

Fraud squad officers have interviewed Mr Browne several times and it is understood he has cooperated fully with their investigation.

They know his whereabouts and remain in touch with him. Garda sources said they believe that Browne won’t be able to pay off what he owes.