Courts / Wicklow / Report

Idea for 'Celebrity Bainisteoir' not stolen, Supreme Court holds in dismissed appeal

Summary

Patrick Kinsella of Callohill, Newtown, Co Wicklow, who had not been represented, claimed that RTE and media personality Fiona Looney stole his original idea for the reality show 'Celebrity Bainisteoir'. He had submitted a concept titled Top Coach/Top Team to RTE in August 2007. In 2011 the High Court, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham, dismissed Kinsella's claim, finding that the idea was solely that of Ms Looney, who had first submitted it to RTE in 2004. The judge concluded that the evidence presented at the hearing showed no merit in Kinsella's allegations and ordered him to pay the legal costs of the seven‑day hearing. Kinsella appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the High Court decision should be set aside. The Supreme Court, comprising Chief Justice Susan Denham, Mr Justice William McKechnie and Mr Justice John MacMenamin, dismissed the appeal, affirming the High Court's ruling and awarding costs to Ms Looney and RTE.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Idea for 'Celebrity Bainisteoir' not stolen, Supreme Court holds in dismissed appeal. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• August 2007 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-07-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Theft

Related court reports

• 'Alternative dispute resolution': man arranged 'straightener' during which dad-of-seven was stabbed to death
• Serial burglar jailed for stealing from restaurant lockers
• 'He's an adult and well able to take responsibility' - Judge gives man time to compensate ex for damage to property
• Domestic violence accused loses habeas corpus appeal
• Brothers attacked man in toilet cubicle after Tyson Fury match 'banter'
• Murder accused pleads guilty to violent disorder at playground

Read the original CNI report