Courts / Cork / Report

French film star entitled to €4.8m in damages against 'Irish Lord' fraudster

Date
2022-12-13
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Youghal
County
Cork

Summary

In a High Court decision, French film star Dany Boon was awarded €4.8 million in damages after being defrauded by Thierry Fialek‑Birles, who posed as an "Irish Lord from an ancient family." Mr Justice Brian O'Moore found that Mr Boon's funds had been used to support Mr Birles' luxurious lifestyle. The judge imposed receivership and permanent freezing orders on assets linked to Mr Birles, including three sailing boats – the 'Erin' and 'My Fair Lady' in Co Cork and the 'Shamrock' in Genoa – a house in Youghal, Co Cork, and monies in various bank accounts. Mr Birles and several co‑conspirators, such as SSMM, Hibernian Petroleum, United Irish Estates, Hibernian Yachts, and others, were ordered to pay Mr Boon's legal costs. The court also directed the sale of the seized assets to satisfy the judgment. The case remains pending against other named parties.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: French film star entitled to €4.8m in damages against 'Irish Lord' fraudster. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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