Byrne faces contempt over home sale

DISGRACED solicitor Thomas Byrne faces contempt of court if he fails to provide information over the sale of his family home, High Court president Mr Justice Richard Johnson warned yesterday.

It came during proceedings by representatives of Mr Byrne’s mother over the alleged sale of the family home to developer John Kelly with whom her son was involved in a number of property transactions.

Mr Byrne owes more than €40m to banks for legal undertakings allegedly given by him while acting as a solicitor.

Mr Justice Johnson was told yesterday that representatives of 81-year-old Phyllis Byrne, who is a ward of court, are seeking a declaration that the house, at Walkinstown Drive, Dublin, was held in trust for her by Mr Kelly, who is involved in separate legal proceedings against Mr Byrne over their dealings together.

Ms Byrne’s representatives are also seeking declarations that the property should be transferred to her.

Michael Conlon BL, for Ms Byrne, told the court yesterday she was in a nursing home which needed to be funded from the proceeds of the sale of the home.

The court heard Mr Kelly’s lawyers were seeking discovery of documentation, in relation to the sale, from Mr Byrne’s lawyers and an affidavit of discovery was still awaited.

Sean Ó Siothcain BL, for Mr Byrne, said they had been fully co-operating and the affidavit would be supplied.

Mr Justice Johnson adjourned the matter to next Wednesday.