Courts / Clare / Report
Three properties bought with crime proceeds, High Court rules
Summary
The High Court has ruled that three properties in the west of Ireland owned by John McCormack were purchased with the proceeds of crime. Mr Justice Alexander Owens registered a judgement against the 48-year-old defendant, who denied the accusations. The properties, located at Purcell Park and Cloontara West in Co Clare, and Claughan Fort in Co Limerick, were acquired between 1995 and 2011. The Central Bank of Ireland (CAB) brought the case under the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996, alleging McCormack has led organised criminal activities since the 1990s, including drug importation, stolen goods dealing, and cash-in-transit robberies. The judge noted McCormack was previously convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment on February 14, 1994. Rejecting McCormack's claim that his income derived from legitimate businesses such as joinery and plant hire, the judge found these were sidelines financed by criminal activity. The court concluded that the only credible explanation for the funding gap was proceeds from serious crime. Consequently, the judge made interlocutory orders under Section 3(1) of the Act regarding the three properties. While the CAB did not claim four further properties in Fuerteventura, the judge noted issues regarding their financing. The matter was finalised with the registration of the judgement and the issuance of these specific orders.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Three properties bought with crime proceeds, High Court rules. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- February 14, 1994 Other
- 2020-07-20 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: The judge noted that Mr McCormack was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment on February 14, 1994.
Defendant
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; The judge noted that Mr McCormack was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment on February 14, 1994.
Places mentioned
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