Courts / Ireland / Report
Bankruptcy official's action against Gayle Dunne to be fast-tracked
2014-12-01
Hearing Or Decision
Summary
The Commercial Court has fast-tracked proceedings brought by Chris Lehane, the official assignee administering the bankruptcy of developer Sean Dunne, against Gayle Dunne. Mr. Lehane seeks to set aside agreements from 2005 and 2008 under which Mr. Dunne allegedly transferred interests in various properties, including the Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town, to his wife. Mr. Dunne faces debts of up to €700m. Mrs. Dunne opposes the application and denies any wrongdoing. Her counsel, Alan Doherty SC, objected to the fast-tracking, citing alleged culpable delay by the official assignee and arguing that his client required considerable time to respond to the allegations. Conversely, Mark Sanfey SC, representing Mr. Lehane, denied any delay, explaining that the complex investigation was hindered by Mr. Dunne's failure to furnish a statement of affairs or attend the Official Assignee's office. Mr. Justice Brian McGovern was satisfied that the case should be admitted to the Commercial Court list. The matter was adjourned to later this month to allow the parties to agree on a timetable for the exchange of legal documents. If no agreement is reached, the court will impose a timetable.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Bankruptcy official's action against Gayle Dunne to be fast-tracked. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 2005 and 2008 Other
- 2014-12-01 Publication
Why: His client, who counsel said was "frog marched" into court by the official assignee, would need some considerable time in order to respond to the allegations against her. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: The judge adjourned the case to later this month to see if the sides could agree a timetable for the exchange of legal documents between the sides.
Defendant
Outcome: The judge adjourned the case to later this month to see if the sides could agree a timetable for the exchange of legal documents between the sides.
Places mentioned
- Mr Dunne's estate
Topics
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