Disgraced solicitor breaks down in tears

DISGRACED solicitor Thomas Byrne broke down crying in a witness box yesterday when telling how his mother’s family home had been used as collateral in some of his multi-million euro dealings.

Mr Byrne, who owes more than €40m to banks and who has been struck off the solicitors’ roll, was called before the High Court yesterday to explain his involvement in the alleged sale of his parents’ home at Walkinstown Drive, Dublin.

His mother, a ward of court, is seeking a declaration that the house belongs to her and, her lawyers say, the proceeds of any sale are needed to fund her care in a nursing home.