Bankrupt farmer’s accounts frozen

The High Court has placed temporary freezing orders on bank accounts where cheques totalling over €85,000 made out to Co Monaghan farmer John Hoey were allegedly lodged after he was declared a bankrupt.

The freezing orders were sought by official assignee Chris Lehane, who is in charge of Mr Hoey’s bankruptcy, and who, in July last, directed that five cattle on Mr Hoey’s farm be shot dead by members of the Defence Forces.

Barrister Rudi Neuman Shanahan, counsel for the official assignee, told Mr Justice Tony O’Connor yesterday that the proceedings had been brought because of fears that the actions might be an attempt to put monies beyond the reach of the office of Mr Lehane.