Courts / Wicklow / Report
Lead investigator denies "some sort of a crusade" against Sean FitzPatrick
Summary
In a January 2017 hearing, defence barrister Bernard Condon challenged the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) to admit that its lead investigator, Kevin O'Connell, had failed to conduct a fair investigation into former Anglo chairman Sean FitzPatrick's alleged non‑disclosure of multi‑million euro loans. O'Connell acknowledged moments of "spectacular naivety" and regretted certain aspects of the probe, attributing errors to limited experience and resources. He denied that the investigation was a "crusade" and insisted mistakes stemmed from a lack of experience and a shortage of Gardaí on secondment. O'Connell also admitted that the ODCE had sought cooperation from Ernst & Young auditors, fearing that probing audit adequacy might jeopardise their willingness to assist. The trial, held at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, focused on FitzPatrick's 27 charges under the Companies Act, including 22 counts of misleading auditors and five of furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. Sean FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Lead investigator denies "some sort of a crusade" against Sean FitzPatrick. Charges or matters: 27 offences under the 1990 Companies Act. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 2010 Other
- February 2009 Other
- 2002 to 2007 Other
- 2017-01-26 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: 27 offences under the 1990 Companies Act (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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