Courts / Dublin / Report

Gayle Dunne seeks cross-examination of lawyer

Date
2015-10-27
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In the Commercial Court, an application by Gayle Dunne and Dunne's Irish was adjourned before Ms Justice Caroline Costello, with proceedings set to resume later next month. Chris Lehane, the official administering the Irish bankruptcy of Sean Dunne, brought the action alleging invalid transfers of assets to Mrs. Dunne. These alleged transfers include the Lagoon Beach Hotel in South Africa, valued at over €18m, and interests in properties in Dublin and County Wicklow. Mr. Lehane claims the 2005 and 2008 agreements have no legal status. Mrs. Dunne, who resides in Greenwich, Connecticut, seeks to have the Irish proceedings discontinued, arguing they are oppressive and that the transfers are already subject to more advanced US bankruptcy proceedings. She requested permission to cross-examine Milton Berger, the lawyer for US Bankruptcy Trustee Richard Coan, who provided sworn statements on US law. Counsel for Mrs. Dunne, Mr. Alan Doherty SC, submitted that the US courts are better placed to determine the matter given the number of affected parties. The application was opposed by Mr. Lehane's representatives. The court heard that Mrs. Dunne claims the transfers were compensation for starting a family and her career sacrifices. The matter remains pending and was not concluded at this hearing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gayle Dunne seeks cross-examination of lawyer. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Case subjects

Chris Lehane

Applicant

Outcome: The application, which is before Ms Justice Caroline Costello, was adjourned today and will resume later next month.

Dunne's Irish

Applicant

Outcome: The application, which is before Ms Justice Caroline Costello, was adjourned today and will resume later next month.

Gayle Dunne

Applicant

Outcome: The application, which is before Ms Justice Caroline Costello, was adjourned today and will resume later next month.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Supreme Court
Secondary Mention
Address Area
  • Shrewsbury Road

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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