Sean FitzPatrick’s trial over loans disclosure adjourned

A jury will be sworn in for the trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick tomorrow.

Mr FitzPatrick (66) of Whitshed Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow is accused of failing to disclose loans from another bank under Section 197 of the Companies Act 1990.

He was charged in the District Court with 12 counts of failing to disclose to auditors Ernst & Young the true value of loans worth at least €139 million given to him or people connected to him, by Irish Nationwide Building Society from 2002 to 2007 while he was an officer of Anglo Irish Bank.

The trial was due to begin on Monday but Judge Mary Ellen Ring adjourned the matter until Tuesday after hearing there were some delays in the case.

Barristers for both sides told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that the jury may not begin hearing evidence until later in the week as there are some outstanding legal issues that are to be heard before Judge Ring.

Mr FitzPatrick was in court for the short hearing.

The trial is expected to last about eight weeks.