Judge wants update from gardai over efforts to locate financial advisor

A High Court judge has requested an update from An Garda Síochána regarding efforts to locate a financial advisor accused of misappropriating investor funds and breaching court orders. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds made the request on Friday concerning James Doherty, believed to be in the United Kingdom but thought to return to Ireland intermittently. The court has previously issued orders freezing Mr Doherty's assets and those of two related companies over an alleged failure to return €159,000 advanced as an investment. Judgement for that sum was granted in favour of Jamie Murphy, who claims Mr Doherty, trading as Demvera Capital Partners, used the money for personal purposes rather than the intended investment in a care company. Mr Doherty has not attended court proceedings nor complied with orders to disclose his assets. A related company is registered at Burnfoot Business Park in County Donegal. The case was adjourned for two weeks, with the judge indicating gardaí may provide their update either in person or by sworn statement.