Courts / Dublin / Report

Michael Lynn takes stand in multi-million euro theft trial

Date
2022-05-06

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Michael Lynn, a former solicitor aged 53 from Red Cross, County Wicklow, gave evidence in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in the thirteenth week of his trial on charges of theft. Mr Lynn pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of theft totalling approximately €27 million from seven financial institutions between October 2006 and April 2007. The prosecution alleges he obtained multiple mortgages on identical properties without the knowledge of lending institutions. Under questioning from his defence barrister, Mr Lynn outlined his career progression from a Mayo farming background through Trinity College education to establishing his own legal practice in 1997. He described expanding his Blanchardstown-based firm and concurrent involvement in property development and overseas ventures through his company Kendar Holdings Limited. Mr Lynn testified that between late 2005 and October 2007, he was not involved in day-to-day management of his legal practice, stating he was travelling constantly during this period. The trial, which resumed following Mr Lynn's Covid-related absence, continues before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Michael Lynn takes stand in multi-million euro theft trial. Charges or matters: 21 counts of theft in Dublin between October 23, 2006 and April 20, 2007. Procedural stage: trial

When:

October 23, 2006 Hearing Or Sentence
April 20, 2007 Hearing Or Sentence
September 2007 Other
October 2007 Hearing Or Sentence
2005 and 2007 Other
2022-05-06 Publication

Why: Mr Lynn told the trial he would bring one of the solicitors from his firm to meetings with property developer clients because he "didn't have that level of experience". CNI source report