Courts / Wicklow / Report
Legal advisor denies suggestion of political pressure in Sean FitzPatrick investigation
Summary
In a court hearing on 12 January 2017, Kevin O'Connell, a former legal advisor with the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement, denied that political or public pressure had influenced the investigation into former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick. O'Connell, who had a "very significant involvement" in the case, explained that while the investigation attracted public and media interest, he had never experienced any suggestion of political pressure or felt that colleagues were under such pressure. He noted that Paul Appleby, the director of corporate enforcement, had sent confidential details of the investigation to senior officials in February 2009, and that O'Connell had been delegated statutory powers to request documents from banks. He maintained that he remained subordinate to Appleby and that the investigation was conducted methodically and without undue influence. The trial was scheduled to continue the following day. Sean FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Legal advisor denies suggestion of political pressure in Sean FitzPatrick investigation. Charges or matters: to 27 offences under the 1990 Companies Act. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 2009 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 2009 Other
- 2002 and 2007 Other
- 2002 to 2007 Other
- 2017-01-12 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: to 27 offences under the 1990 Companies Act (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Whitshed Road
- Wicklow
Topics
Related court reports
- 'Alternative dispute resolution': man arranged 'straightener' during which dad-of-seven was stabbed to death
- Serial burglar jailed for stealing from restaurant lockers
- 'He's an adult and well able to take responsibility' - Judge gives man time to compensate ex for damage to property
- Domestic violence accused loses habeas corpus appeal
- Brothers attacked man in toilet cubicle after Tyson Fury match 'banter'
- Murder accused pleads guilty to violent disorder at playground
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request