Courts / Ireland / Report
Blake O'Donnell describes BOI's claims over London property sale as "scurrilous"
Summary
In a High Court hearing, Blake O'Donnell described Bank of Ireland (BOI) claims regarding the sale of Columbus Courtyard in London's Canary Wharf as "scurrilous." BOI sought orders to prevent O'Donnell, his family, and three British Virgin Island-registered companies from dissipating an estimated £6m in expected sale proceeds. O'Donnell stated he was "caught on the hop" by the application and lacked access to key legal documents, noting he must now litigate in Ireland, the UK, and the BVI. He requested a six-week adjournment to prepare a sworn statement. His father, Brian O'Donnell, told Mr Justice Hedigan that BOI had no interest in the property. Counsel for BOI, Stephen Dowling BL, argued the proposed delay was excessive and maintained the bank's concern over asset dissipation. Mr Justice Hedigan, aiming to preserve the status quo in this complex matter, granted the six-week adjournment for O'Donnell to respond. However, the judge scheduled a hearing for Wednesday to consider BOI's application to extend the injunction pending the full dispute. This hearing will proceed unless the parties agree to convert previous undertakings regarding BVI interests into formal court orders, a step BOI seeks because it considers the current undertakings insufficient.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Blake O'Donnell describes BOI's claims over London property sale as "scurrilous". Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 2016-02-22 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Applicant
Applicant
Places mentioned
- High Court
Topics
Help us improve this report
Your request is saved for the newsroom's next review. It does not immediately change the published report.
Prefer email? Send a correction request.