Solicitor declared insolvent in UK

SOLICITOR BRIAN O’Donnell and his wife have been declared bankrupt in London. They have been ordered to appear in the Commercial Court in Dublin next month to be questioned on “alarming” disparities in two statements they filed about their assets.

Mr O’Donnell, a former managing partner of William Fry solicitors, and Dr Mary Pat O’Donnell claimed in UK bankruptcy proceedings that their centre of main interest was the UK, although Mr Justice Peter Kelly said the bankruptcy order may be challenged.

Lawyers for Bank of Ireland, which is owed €75 million by the couple, told the court the O’Donnells said in March 2011 that they partly or fully owned a number of properties in London.

The couple said in another statement last month that the properties were held in trust for one or more of their children – Blake, Bruce, Blaise and Alexandra.

The O’Donnells were not represented in court. Mr Justice Kelly was told they filed for bankruptcy in London yesterday morning. He said he was “not impressed” with how they handled matters.