Seán FitzPatrick sent forward for trial over Anglo-INBS loans

Former Anglo Irish Bank chairman and chief executive Seán FitzPatrick has been sent forward for trial after being served with a book of evidence in court today.

Mr Fitzpatrick (64), Whitshed Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow, was charged at Dublin District Court in December with 12 offences that allegedly occurred between 2002 and 2007, under section 197 of the Companies Act 1990.

At the Criminal Courts of Justice complex on Parkgate Street today, Detective Inspector Raymond Kavanagh of the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation told Judge Patricia McNamara there were 12 volumes in the book of evidence in the case against Mr FitzPatrick.

Handing a black lever arch file to Mr FitzPatrick, Det Insp Kavanagh said: “With the consent of the defence and the consent of the the court I propose to serve volume one and deliver the rest to the defence.”

Mr FitzPatrick is charged with six counts of failing to disclose an arrangement between Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society under which the building society loaned him money between 2002 and 2007.

Six of the charges also relate to Mr FitzPatrick knowingly excluding or failing to disclose the true amount of borrowings to him or persons close to him in statements to the bank’s auditors Ernst & Young.

If convicted, Mr FitzPatrick could face a fine of up to €12,697 and/or a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison.

Dressed in a blue shirt, pink tie and dark navy suit Mr FitzPatrick stood behind a glass partition for the duration of the 15 minute-long hearing.

Judge McNamara granted continuous bail, which Mr FitzPatrick renewed at the court bail office.

Mr FitzPatrick’s bail provisions require him to sign on weekly at Irishtown Garda Station, suspended in the event of travel out of the jurisdiction.

He must give 48 hours notice if he intends to change address or leave the country. Mr FitzPatrick has also paid a bond of EURO1,000 in cash.

Judge McNamara issued Mr FitzPatrick with an “alibi warning” where he must inform the prosecution within 14 days if he intends to call an alibi for any of the charges.

The former banker, who is scheduled to appear again at 10.30am on March 22nd at the Circuit Criminal Court, left the court building in the company of his solicitor Mr Michael Staines.