Court gives go ahead for seizure of Gilligan assets

The Special Criminal Court has given the go ahead to the Criminal Assets Bureau to seize assets owned by John Gilligan, subject to a legal challenge.

However, Gilligan’s lawyers told the court that their client will contest the constitutionality of the CAB in the High Court and the Supreme Court.

The CAB want to seize £14.2m of the convicted drug trafficer’s assets, including the Jessbrook Equestrian Centre, 16 bank accounts, 3 houses, 6 vehicles and £5m pounds in stakes in bets.

However there is to be an inquiry into what assets did Gilligan acquire by legitimate means.

In addition lawyers for John Gilligan have signalled their intention to challenge the constitutionality of the CAB.

This means that the seizure of any assets could still be a long way off.