Bailiffs return seized luxury car to property developer

PROPERTY DEVELOPER Paddy Kelly was reunited yesterday with the 7 series BMW which was taken from his Donnybrook home by bailiffs on Thursday.

According to Mr Kelly, a representative for the sheriff returned the car, which belongs to his wife Maureen, early yesterday afternoon. Mr Kelly said the driver of the car apologised to Ms Kelly on behalf of the sheriff after Mr Kelly suggested it would be appropriate to do so.

On Thursday, bailiffs acting on foot of a warrant to the Dublin City Sheriff’s Office initiated by ACC seized the seven-year-old saloon car. ACCBank has a series of judgments against Mr Kelly. In April the bank obtained a judgment against Mr Kelly and his sons for €16.9 million in respect of development loans.

Both ACC and the Dublin City Sheriff declined to comment.

Mr Kelly told The Irish Timeshe had never owned the car and that the authorities had documents indicating this. He is taking legal advice on the matter. "ACC engaged in an isolated action which was not well-judged," he said. "However, we don't hold a grudge."

When a judgment for the payment of money is obtained, the party who has been awarded the judgment can obtain an order directing the sheriff to seize whatever goods are within his bailiwick belonging to the debtor.

It is not clear whether ACCBank will obtain a further warrant.

The car was featured in an article in The Irish Timeslast month when Mr Kelly spent a day with journalist Fintan O'Toole travelling to developments. Mr Kelly, who owes various banks €350 million, was unapologetic in the article about the extent of his debts. He said in the piece the car was bought in 2003 for €139,000.