Anglo trials could take up to three years

It could take three years to complete the criminal trials of persons arising from the three-and-a half-year investigation by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) into the collapse of the former Anglo Irish Bank.

The investigation is essentially complete in four of the five areas of the probe, with several files, sent on dates from late 2010 to Jul 10 last, being considered by the DPP, the court also heard.

Mr Justice Peter Kelly yesterday repeated his view that the investigation was taking “longer than desirable” when agreeing to extend for six months orders allowing the retention of documents seized from the bank for the purpose of the investigation.