Courts / Wicklow / Report

Jury must acquit Michael Lynn if they find he had permission to use loans for developments, judge directs

Date
2022-05-27

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Wicklow

County
Wicklow

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, former solicitor Michael Lynn, aged 53, faces 21 counts of theft involving about €27 million from seven banks. The prosecution alleges Lynn secured multiple mortgages on the same properties without the banks' knowledge, using the funds for overseas property developments. Lynn maintains that the banks were aware of his multiple loans and that such arrangements were customary among bankers during the Celtic Tiger era. He claims he had "secret deals" with several bankers, including a profit‑share agreement with former Irish Nationwide chief executive Michael Fingleton for a Portuguese development. Defence counsel argues that Lynn made monthly repayments and that the banks had no complaints until a solicitor, Fiona McAleenan, contacted the Law Society in 2007. Judge Martin Nolan directed the jury to acquit if they find Lynn had the banks' permission to use the loans, and to consider the State's case only if they cannot prove deception beyond a reasonable doubt.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury must acquit Michael Lynn if they find he had permission to use loans for developments, judge directs. Procedural stage: trial

When:

September 2007 Hearing Or Sentence
October 23, 2006 Hearing Or Sentence
April 20, 2007 Hearing Or Sentence
2004 to 2007 Other
2022-05-27 Publication

Why: " He said the jury must then examine the State's case and conclude that they have proven it beyond reasonable doubt, in order to convict. CNI source report