Trial of solicitor Michael Lynn to begin tomorrow

A jury has been empanelled ahead of the trial of former solicitor Michael Lynn at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, which opens tomorrow. Mr Lynn, aged 53 and with an address in County Wicklow, faces 21 charges relating to the alleged theft of approximately €27 million from seven financial institutions between 2006 and 2007. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The accused is a native of County Mayo who previously practised as a solicitor. The prosecution alleges the thefts relate to 21 different mortgage applications on properties during the specified period. A jury panel of 15 has been sworn in, with the trial expected to last up to 14 weeks and hear evidence from over 70 witnesses. Judge Martin Nolan instructed jurors that the case must be decided solely on evidence presented in court and warned against any external research.