Breifne O'Brien faces new claims for €997,000

TWO MORE claims have been brought to court against Breifne O’Brien, operator of an investment scheme, for the repayment of money given to him.

The latest claims, totalling almost €1 million, will increase to more than €14 million the sums sought from the businessman.

Mr Justice Peter Kelly was told yesterday by Alan Doherty, for several claimants, that two other creditors of Mr O’Brien have issued proceedings. This followed the judge’s indication last week that anyone else with claims should move speedily.

The judge had already granted orders against Mr O’Brien, directing him to repay some €13 million to those who had made claims.

The cases arise following claims that Mr O’Brien, Silchester Road, Glenageary, operated a “pyramid” investment scheme over 15 years, misappropriating millions from several investors to fund his personal lifestyle and business interests.

Mr Doherty said yesterday that the latest claimants were Barty O’Brien Ltd and Robert Dennison, who were seeking €685,000 and €312,000 respectively.

He said Breifne O’Brien’s solicitors had indicated in correspondence that he would not be opposing judgment against him in the latest amounts sought and would also agree to the relevant increase in an accounts-freezing order against him.

Mr Justice Kelly said he would hear the applications for judgment next Tuesday.

He also granted applications by Mr Doherty for European Enforcement Orders so the earlier judgments for more than €13 million against Mr O’Brien may now be enforced anywhere within the EU.

The judge was told yesterday that sums had not yet been paid relating to his orders earlier this week requiring Mr O’Brien to pay various sums, including €3,065,350 to farmers Louis and Robert Dowley, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary, and €3,860,739 to businessman David O’Reilly, Fassaroe Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow.

Further orders require him to repay €4.4 million to Evan Newell, Brighton Gardens, Rathgar, Dublin; €1,107,350 to former High Court taxing master David Bell (88), Silver Birches, Dublin, and his son, solicitor Peter Bell; and €450,000 to Daniel Maher, Kilternan Pines, Westminster Road, Foxrock.

Mr O’Brien has listed five other potential claimants against him as Patrick Doyle, Suzie C Callaghan, Martin O’Brien, Eamon Connor and Robert Dennison.