A former solicitor who was declared a bankrupt in 1993 and is now offering property brokerage services has been ordered by the High Court to produce all the documents he has relating to monies received for his business activities.
The documents sought concern business carried on by Mr Vincent O'Donoghue in his own name or in the names of a number of firms, including Property World, which has been offering services.
Ms Justice Laffoy made the order this week, after Mr O'Donoghue had been examined in court by counsel for the Official Assignee, Mr Noel Rubotham, the public trustee responsible for administering the estates of bankrupt people.
Counsel said the Official Assignee's main concern was in tracing monies which Mr O'Donoghue might have received.
The judge directed Mr O'Donoghue to produce by Wednesday next all documents in his possession in relation to all monies received by him in connection with his business activities from whatever source and their disbursement, whether they were carried on in his own name or of Property World, Property World 2000, Carrickford Ltd or Universal Properties (Belfast) Ltd.
In proceedings taken by the Official Assignee, Mr O'Donoghue was questioned about various property activities.
When he was declared bankrupt in 1993, Mr O'Donoghue's liabilities were estimated at £318,200. (The bankruptcy petition was taken by the Law Society.)
The Official Assignee obtained an order on April 19th for Mr O'Donoghue to be examined on oath on all matters relating to his trade, dealings, property and estate and particularly his business conduct after he was declared bankrupt.
The April 19th order referred in particular to any business touching upon or concerned with the sale or acquisition of property, whether on his own behalf or on behalf of others and whether carried on under the name of Property World or otherwise.
After Mr Mark Sanfey, counsel for the Official Assignee, had questioned Mr O'Donoghue, Ms Justice Laffoy also made an order that Mr O'Donoghue should give Mr Rubotham an authorisation addressed to Abbey National plc's Gibraltar branch, to give details of all transactions in connection with the Property World account there.
After examining Mr O'Donoghue, Mr Sanfey said he had failed to comply with the previous order but had evinced his willingness to show the files to the Official Assignee.
Counsel asked that rather than close the examination, the Official Assignee be given an opportunity to look at the files which Mr O'Donoghue had been unable to supply in court.
The judge adjourned the case for mention next Thursday, to ensure compliance with the orders she had made. She will also decide at next week's hearing when the case should be resumed.