Michael Lynn takes the stand at own €27m theft trial

Michael Lynn, a former solicitor from County Wicklow, has begun giving evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in his trial on charges relating to approximately €27 million in alleged theft from seven financial institutions. Mr Lynn, aged 55, outlined his professional background to the jury, describing his career path from qualification in 1994 through to establishing his own practice in 1997, which eventually expanded to 15 staff members. He also detailed his involvement in property investment and development, including projects in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, and Portugal. The prosecution alleges Mr Lynn obtained multiple mortgages on identical properties without the knowledge of participating banks. Mr Lynn has pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of theft occurring between October 2006 and April 2007. The trial, before Judge Martin Nolan and jury, continues with Mr Lynn's evidence ongoing.