Courts / Tipperary / Report

Row breaks out over allegations of 'nodding' from gallery in Magnier High Court case

Summary

A heated exchange occurred during the High Court trial involving John Magnier, who is pursuing a €15 million deal he claims was agreed with a Tipperary landowner over a large tract of land. The case involves Barne Estate, Tim Gleeson, Magnier's Coolmore Stud, Coolmore Stud, and Magnier's Coolmore, all of whom are applicants. During the cross-examination of Tim Gleeson, a financial manager at Coolmore Stud, Martin Hayden SC for Barne Estate alleged that members of the gallery were nodding at the witness, potentially influencing his answers. Hayden gestured towards the Magnier side and requested that individuals stop making head gestures. Mr. Gleeson denied seeing any gestures and stated he was following documents and facing the judge when answering questions. Paul Gallagher SC for the Coolmore side refuted the claim, calling it 'outrageous' and 'not true'. The judge instructed all present to refrain from nodding upon hearing responses given by the witness. A third interruption occurred when Gallagher claimed a junior counsel from the defence was staring at the gallery. The hearing then re-commenced for Mr. Gleeson to conclude his evidence. The case continues before Mr. Justice Barrett, with the Magnier side alleging that Barne Estate reneged on the deal, preferring to sell the land to Maurice Regan at a higher price. The Barne Estate defendants deny any such agreement, stating they needed the consent of the trustees to finalise any agreement and preferred to sell to Regan. The case is ongoing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Row breaks out over allegations of 'nodding' from gallery in Magnier High Court case. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• August 22, 2023 Other
• August 31 Other
• September 30 Other
• 2025-06-19 Publication

Why: Mr Hayden told the judge that he had "quite deliberately" not named the individuals but that he did not wish for it to happen again "because they are giving indications of what the answers should be – that's unacceptable". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report