Gilligan case over fortune begins

The Special Criminal Court has begun hearings to ascertain how convicted drug dealer John Gilligan amassed an alleged personal fortune of £14m.

The State claims that Gilligan made the money from importing cannabis resin between July 1994 and October 1996.

The court was told that the State wants to appoint a receiver to Gilligan's assets, which allegedly include an equestrian centre in Enfield, Co Meath, two houses in Lucan, six vehicles, and over £5m placed in bets.

The court also rejected an application that the case should not go ahead because extradition certs from the UK had not been served.