Courts / Wicklow / Report

Members of PTSB's legal department 'accompanied' witness to Michael Lynn trial for support, jury hears

Date
2023-11-20

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Redcross

County
Wicklow

Summary

During the multi‑million euro theft trial of former solicitor Michael Lynn, the court heard that two members of the legal department of Permanent TSB (now PTSB) attended the proceedings to provide "moral support" to witnesses. Ciaran Farrell, a former branch manager and current business development manager at the bank, told the court that the two attendees were present at the evidence of his colleague John O'Brien. Farrell said he did not know the purpose of the accompaniment, adding that he presumed it was simply support. He also stated that he had not discussed the evidence with his colleagues, noting that their conversations had been about fantasy football. The trial, presided over by Judge Martin Nolan and heard by a jury, continues with Mr Lynn accused of stealing around €27 million from seven financial institutions between October 2006 and April 2007. Michael Lynn pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Members of PTSB's legal department 'accompanied' witness to Michael Lynn trial for support, jury hears. Charges or matters: 21 counts of theft in Dublin between October 23, 2006 and April 20, 2007. Procedural stage: trial

When: