Anglo trial may be in jeopardy

The upcoming trial of former Anglo Irish Bank executives may have been jeopardised, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard.

The trial of the bank’s former chairman Sean FitzPatrick and two former directors was mentioned yesterday to check on the progress of the case.

Mr FitzPatrick, 65, of Whitshed Rd, Greystones; William McAteer, 62, of Auburn Villas, Rathgar and Pat Whelan, 51, of Coast Rd, Malahide have been charged with 16 counts of allegedly providing unlawful financial assistance to individuals to buy shares in the bank.

Brendan Grehan SC, for Mr Whelan told Judge Martin Nolan a matter has come to his attention which may jeopardise the trial in January or going ahead at all.

Earlier in the hearing Uná Ní Raifeartaigh SC, prosecuting, told the court a lot of progress had been made but said a disclosure issue has now arisen which will not be able to be resolved without the assistance of a trial judge.

She said the accused’s legal teams are looking for certain information which are in the hands of third parties and requested a date be set for a pre-trial disclosure hearing.

Judge Nolan set that date for Jul 26 and set aside two hours for the hearing.

Mr Grehan then said he will deal with his concerns at the disclosure hearing.