Jim Corr consents to €1.4m ruling

Musician Jim Corr has consented before the Commercial Court to €1.4 million summary judgment orders against him in favour of ACC Bank.

The ruling arises from an unpaid loan advanced to him and others in 2004 to buy lands at Goresbridge, Co Kilkenny.

The court was told today by the musician's counsel, Ciaran Lewis, that his client would not be seeking to defend the bank's claim and was consenting to summary judgment.

On the application of Bernard Dunleavy, for ACC, Mr Justice Peter Kelly entered judgment in the sum of €1,442,922, plus costs, against Corr, who was not in court.

Earlier this week, ACC also secured summary judgment for €1.4 million on consent against Liam Marks, The Coach House, Sandymount, Blackrock, Dundalk, arising from the same loan.

The bank's proceedings against Corr, of Sharman House, Old Windmill Road, Crawfordsburn, Bangor, Co Down, were also transferred to the Commercial Court last Monday but were returned to today to allow Mr Lewis take instructions as to whether any defence would be proffered.

The case arises from a €1.2 million loan advanced to Corr and Mr Marks in November 2004 to assist in purchasing 97 acres of non-residential lands at Goresbridge, Co Kilkenny.

The bank said Philip Marks, son of Liam Marks, was also a party to the letter of loan sanction but it was unsure of his whereabouts, having heard reports he is living in Hong Kong. Once it ascertains his whereabouts, it intends to also bring proceedings against him, the bank said.

On Monday, Mr Dunleavy said there had been unsatisfactory talks in relation to the loan amounts outstanding from the defendants and the bank had in June 2010 demanded payment. It later issued the legal proceedings.

Due to difficulties effecting personal service on Corr of the proceedings, the bank last September obtained leave from the High Court to effect service of the proceedings on him via ordinary post. Service in that manner was effected in October 2010.

The court also heard of unsuccessful efforts to sell the lands at Goresbridge, which are secured to the bank. An auction last November had not been a success, it was stated.