Courts / Dublin / Report

Michael Lynn trial hears of failings and delays when purchasing properties

Date
2022-03-24

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

During the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 24 March 2022, former solicitor Michael Lynn, aged 53, faced 21 counts of theft involving approximately €27 million taken from seven financial institutions. The court heard evidence that Lynn's firm, Michael Lynn & Co, consistently paid only a five‑per‑cent deposit when purchasing properties, whereas the standard required was ten per cent. The firm also delayed returning signed contracts, missed sale closing dates, and failed to pay interest on outstanding balances. Several solicitors testified that Lynn repeatedly failed to meet agreed closing dates, prompting 28‑day notices and claims for interest. The State alleged that Lynn obtained multiple mortgages on the same properties without banks' knowledge of other lenders. Lynn pleaded not guilty to all counts. The hearing also noted that a former personal assistant, Liz Doyle, was scheduled to give evidence the following day.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Michael Lynn trial hears of failings and delays when purchasing properties. Charges or matters: 21 counts of theft in Dublin between October 23, 2006 and April 20, 2007. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

October 2006 Other
February 2007 Other
13 April 2007 Other
24 April Other
August 2007 Other
September 2007 Hearing Or Sentence
October 23, 2006 Hearing Or Sentence
April 20, 2007 Hearing Or Sentence
2006 and 2008 Other
2022-03-24 Publication

Why: Mr Mahon said that because of the delay on the outstanding balance, his clients had a right to interest owed of over €18,000 and that accordingly they began Circuit Court proceedings against Mr Lynn. CNI source report