Warrant for Wexford hurler's arrest 'not executed'

A warrant for the arrest of former Wexford hurling star Paul Codd has not been executed, the High Cout heard yesterday.

The warranent was issued last week arising out Mr Codd's ongoing failure to co-operate with the bankruptcy regime.

Mr Codd, an All-Ireland medal winner in 1996, is alleged to be in contempt of court orders directing him to engage with the official in charge of his bankruptcy.

He was adjudicated bankrupt by the High Court last March over failure to satisfy a judgment for €530,000 secured against him in 2011.

Mr Codd has failed to deal with the Official Assignee in bankruptcy, Chris Lehane, the court-appointed official who assist bankrupts in their obligations to creditors, as required under bankruptcy laws.

Last week, the court ordered Mr Codd be arrested and brought before the High Court at the earliest possible opportunity to see if he will abide by the orders of the court.

On Monday at the High Court, Mr Leahne told Mr Justice John Cooke that the warrant, which had been forwarded to the Gardaí, had yet to be executed.

Mr Lehane has previously told the court that several attempts were made to ensure Mr Codd would engage with the bankruptcy process. However Mr Codd failed to do so and in Mr Lehane's view is in contempt of court.

The application to have Mr Codd declared bankrupt arose from a sale by David Deasey, a dairy farmer from Timoleague, Co Cork, of 46 acres of land at Askinfarney Clonroche, Co Wexford, to Mr Codd for about €800,000.

While a deposit of €40,000 was paid, Mr Codd had not completed the sale and Mr Deasy obtained judgment for €530,326 against Mr Codd in 2011.

When that was not satisfied, Mr Deasy brought the bankruptcy proceedings.

Separately, Mr Justice Cook confirmed orders sought by Friends First Finance compelling Mr Codd to return 10 pieces of plant and machinery which was leased to the former hurler and his company.

The Judge, after being informed by Mr Lehane that Friends First Finance is entitled to the machinery made orders, including one prohibiting Mr Codd dealing with the machinery.