Seán Dunne bankruptcy seizure case to be heard next month

A legal action by developer Seán Dunne over the seizure by a bankruptcy official of materials from a luxury property in Co Kildare will be heard by the High Court next month.

Mr Dunne, adjudicated a bankrupt here and in the United States, has brought proceedings aimed at recovering documents and other material seized last November. The items include artwork and golf memorabilia. Mr Dunne wants to recover a number of items including documents related to matrimonial proceedings,

Yesterday, Mr Justice Brian McGovern fixed March 19th for the hearing. Mr Dunne's lawyers will apply on March 5th for an order allowing them cross-examine bankruptcy official Chris Lehane. Mr Lehane's lawyers say it is not appropriate to cross-examine Mr Lehane on the contents of his sworn affidavit.

Section 28 of the Bankruptcy Act allows for a search and seizure warrant to be issued where the official assignee has reason to believe that property of a bankrupt may be located in a house or other property which may not be owned by the bankrupt.

Other parties to the proceedings include Gayle Dunne; Isle of Man registered company Traviata Ltd; and John Dunne, a son of Mr Dunne.