Courts / Wicklow / Report

Solicitor tells Michael Lynn trial that exec did not have authority to sign her name

Date
2023-11-23

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Redcross

County
Wicklow

Summary

During the multi‑million euro theft trial of Michael Lynn, a solicitor who had worked in his practice testified that Ms Fiona McAleenan was never a partner in the firm. McAleenan denied that another legal executive had been authorised to sign her name and claimed she had not consented to such action. She said she had been involved in negotiations about becoming a partner but was ultimately advised not to proceed. McAleenan also stated that she had not signed the solicitor's letters of undertaking that were presented as her work, and that any signatures on those documents were made by former executive Liz Doyle. She maintained that she had not sent an email to a bank manager claiming partnership status and suggested that someone else may have used her account. The prosecution alleges that Lynn obtained multiple mortgages on the same properties, with several banks unaware of the other institutions' financing. Fiona McAleenan pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Solicitor tells Michael Lynn trial that exec did not have authority to sign her name. Charges or matters: 21 counts of theft in Dublin between October 23, 2006 and April 20, 2007. Procedural stage: trial

When: