An application by Bank of Ireland for €11.75 million judgment orders against a Co Wicklow property developer over unpaid loans has been adjourned after the developer became ill in court today and was taken to hospital by ambulance.
The full hearing of the bank's action against George Wilkin, Roselawn Green, Boghall Road, Bray, Co Wicklow, was listed for hearing before Mr Justice Sean Ryan at the Commercial Court today after talks between the sides failed to resolve the case.
Shortly before the case was due to open, Mr Wilkin collapsed in court and required immediate medical attention. An ambulance crew with the Dublin City Fire Brigade arrived on the scene within minutes, and Mr Wilkin was taken to the Mater hospital.
It was then decided the case, listed to run for five days, should not proceed in Mr Wilkin’s absence. Mr Justice Ryan, who expressed his concern for Mr Wilkin’s welfare, agreed to adjourn the matter.
The action will be mentioned before Mr Justice Peter Kelly, who manages the Commercial Court list, next Monday.
In its proceedings, BoI is seeking judgment for approximately €11.75 million over loans advanced between 2005 and 2007 to allow Mr Wilkin invest in residential development sites in Bray.
The bank demanded repayment of the loans 12 months ago after alleging Mr Wilkin had fallen into arrears of repayments.
It sought summary judgment orders for €11.75 million against him, but Mr Wilkin’s lawyers argued he had a defence on grounds the loans were not true on demand facilities and the bank was not entitled at this stage to call them in.
Last March, after affidavits were exchanged, the sides agreed the matter should go to a full plenary hearing.