IN THE High Court an application to fix a date for examination of Mr FitzPatrick’s financial situation under section 21 of the Bankruptcy Act was adjourned after concerns were raised that the criminal case against him might be prejudiced. Mr FitzPatrick was declared a bankrupt in July 2010.
The solicitor for Mr FitzPatrick, William O’Grady of O’Grady Solicitors, said he feared there could be some “perception of prejudice” if the examination went ahead prior to the criminal case.
Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne said it was “a stretch” to suggest harm could be caused by fixing a date.
She could not see what might be done in the court that would affect criminal proceedings. “I want to know why and how it could be prejudicial,” she said.
