Brian O’Donnell formally exits bankruptcy

Retired solicitor Brian O'Donnell formally exited bankruptcy on Monday. He was formally discharged at a sitting of the High Court.

Both Mr O’Donnell and his wife, Mary Patricia O’Donnell, formally of Gorse Hill, Vico Road, Killiney, Co Dublin, but now living in the UK, were adjudicated bankrupt by the High Court in August 2013.

That finding was confirmed by the Supreme Court in February 2015.

In July 2016, the O'Donnell's bankruptcy was extended following an application by the official in charge of his case, the Official Assignee in Bankruptcy, Chris Lehane, for alleged non co-operation.

The O’Donnells had opposed the move and denied the allegations.

Ms Justice Caroline Costello was informed by barrister Eddie Farrelly for the official assignee that his client no longer wished to extend Mr O'Donnell's bankruptcy.

Addressed

He said Mr Lehane was satisfied that all outstanding and historical issues in relation to the bankruptcy had been addressed.

Mr O’Donnell was not in court for the brief hearing, but was represented by his solicitor and son, Blake O’Donnell. Mrs O’Donnell exited bankruptcy in December 2016.

Bank of Ireland applied to have the couple declared bankrupt after they failed to satisfy a judgment for €71.57 million obtained against them.

The judgment was obtained by the bank in December 2011 after they failed to repay loans that had been advanced to them.