Barrister given two weeks to explain money 'disappearing'

A barrister has been given two weeks by the High Court to give a complete and proper explanation as to what happened to €635,000 which a company claims it gave him to be paid to the Revenue Commissioners to settle it's tax liabilities.

Today at the High Court the liquidator of Ardline Aircon Ltd had sought an order committing Patrick Russell, Steelstown, Rathcoole, Co Dublin to prison for being in contempt of a Court order made last February to disclose on affidavit how he had dealt with money given to him since he had taken receipt of it from the company.

The court that Mr Russell's committal to prison was being sought because an affidavit he provided did not comply with the terms of that order.

Ms Justice Mary Laffoy, who adjourned the matter till July 11 next, told Mr Russell that he had until then to provide a "meaningful" affidavit to the court.

The Judge also told Mr Russell that the motion for his committal was still live.