Judge rules trial of Anglo boss can proceed

A judge has ruled that Seán FitzPatrick can get a fair trial despite eight years’ publicity leaving him with a “negative” reputation.

Judge Martin Nolan rejected an application from lawyers defending the former Anglo Irish Bank chairman who asked for his upcoming trial to be adjourned because of a recent case involving other Anglo officials.

The trial and convictions of the officials resulted in a “cascade of sludge” being visited on the head of Mr FitzPatrick, Bernard Condon SC, defending Mr FitzPatrick, told the court on an earlier date. He submitted that this recent adverse publicity would be fresh in the minds of the public and meant that his client could not get a fair trial until the memory of this has faded.