AIB hits back at claims it ‘intimidated’ Yates

AIB has hit out at claims by bankrupt former Fine Gael minister and broadcaster Ivan Yates that it harassed his family and forced him to “flee” the country.

Mr Yates owes the bank almost €3.7m. Last month, AIB failed in its High Court bid to have him declared bankrupt here.

However, on Friday after his petition for bankruptcy was accepted at Swansea County Court in Wales, Mr Yates claimed AIB harassed his family in pursuit of debts and forced him to flee Ireland after the collapse of his bookmaking firm.