Sean Fitzpatrick accused of 'knowingly or recklessly making misleading or deceptive statements'

Anglo Irish Bank's former chairman Sean Fitzpatrick has appeared at Dublin District Court on 12 new charges.

The 64-year-old is accused of knowingly or recklessly making false, misleading or deceptive statements to the bank's auditors Ernst & Young between 2002 and 2007, by under-declaring the balance on loans by a total of €284.9m.

It is alleged these loans were for Mr Fitzpatrick himself or those connected with him.

Dressed in a dark suit, blue shirt and red tie, Sean Fitzpatrick took his place in the dock of Dublin District Court this morning on 12 new charges relating to financial irregularites at the former Anglo Irish Bank.

Detective Inspector Ray Kavanagh gave details of his arrest by arrangement at the Bridewell garda station at 9.04am this morning.

He said the 64-year-old made no reply after caution to the charges which allege he made false or misleading statemens to Anglo Irish Bank's auditors over a five-year period.

Sean Fitzpatrick was previously charged with providing unlawful financial assistance to 16 individuals to enable theme to buy shares in Anlgo.

He has been remanded on bail until March 1.