Scrum time for Seanie

WIGS AND gowns were dusted down last week as the summer break came to an end for the country’s barristers and judges, and the courts reopened for Michaelmas term. For a certain former head of the bank formerly known as Anglo, that means it’s crunch time.

Over in Greystones today, Seán FitzPatrick is presumably donning his battle armour of gold-buttoned blazer and pink tie before heading northside to the Criminal Court of Justice, where he is due to be served with a book of evidence today.

Those following the case will recall that, back in July, FitzPatrick was arrested in Dublin airport and brought before Dublin District Court where he faced 16 charges relating to loans provided by Anglo, now known as IBRC, to the so-called Maple 10, and to the five children of bankrupt businessman Seán Quinn and his wife Patricia, to buy shares in the bank.

FitzPatrick was then released on bail, but now returns to court; if he’s convicted he could face up to five years in jail for each charge. Seanie can expect to be greeted by a frenzied media scrum and a smattering of angry onlookers down by the Phoenix Park today. However, a YouTube clip of his last court appearance (search for “Sean FitzPatrick leaving court”) suggests he could receive support from unlikely bystanders.