Coroner: Banks ‘pushing people over the edge’

A coroner in the suicide of a prominent businessman has said someone should “shout stop” to financial institutions whom he said “can push a person over the edge” in the way they pursue debts.

The comments were made at the inquest into the death of developer and auctioneer Philip De Vere Hunt, 64, who was found dead at his cattle mart property in Cashel, Co Tipperary, on Dec 18, 2012.

It was reported earlier this year that Nama was suing Mr De Vere Hunt, of Ardmayle House, Cashel, for a debt of €30m associated with a bank loan which was advanced for a development project.