Wicklow businessman with debts exceeding €117,000 told to repay €10,000 to friend
The Wicklow PeopleA Wicklow man struggling with heavy debts and mortgage arrears has been ordered to repay €10,000 to a close friend .
Garret Brady, of 240 Charlesland Park, Greystones, Co Wicklow, appeared at a civil sitting of Bray District Court owing Robert Kearns €10,000.
The court heard that Mr Brady had accepted the debt but said his current financial circumstances did not allow him to make repayment.
Mr Brady told the court he operates a small printing and promotions business which, he said, “is starting to take legs”. The court was informed that he withdraws €250 per week from the business.
The court also heard that Mr Brady is under significant financial pressure, as he is in arrears on his mortgage to the value of €70,000. He has an agreement with his lender to repay €2,400 per month.
Counsel for the defence told the court that his client also owes €10,000 to his local credit union, €1,000 to a gas company and €1,200 to an electricity provider.
“I also have a Revenue debt of €25,000, it was brought down from a huge amount,” Mr Brady told the court.
It was heard that the defendant and plaintiff have been friends for 35 years. Counsel for the plaintiff alleged that Mr Brady had made statements on social media saying: “I am not paying one cent.”
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The court was told that Mr Brady owns a house with his former partner and has equity in another property in Charlestown with his current partner.
Mr Brady said he had emailed Mr Kearns about arranging repayment but received no reply.
Judge David Kennedy ruled that Mr Brady must repay €100 per week until the full amount is paid. He was also ordered to cover the plaintiff’s legal costs, which totalled €2,556.35.