Michael Lynn’s €27m theft trial hears bank defence claims

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Michael Lynn pleaded not guilty to 21 theft counts in Dublin, and his trial continued before a jury, in a report published on 31 October 2023. The prosecution alleges he obtained multiple mortgages on the same properties while banks were unaware other institutions were also financing them.

A retired National Irish Bank manager said he was unaware of information being kept off the bank’s portal. Defence counsel argued that a document referring to a steering committee request to keep information off the portal suggested senior management kept information off the official record; the manager denied knowing of such information.

The jury also heard evidence about documents concerning Lynn’s finances and a property sale. An accountant said documents presented to the bank overstated Lynn’s income and profit, and identified some as not prepared by his firm. A solicitor said a delayed sale led his clients to seek €18,000 in interest, though they later chose not to pursue the court order they had obtained.