A jury has been sworn in for the trial of a former Anglo Irish Bank official on conspiracy charges.
Tiarnan O’Mahoney (58), formerly chief operations officer at the bank, has pleaded not guilty to a charge that he conspired to destroy, mutilate or falsify books and documents relating to the property or affairs of Anglo Irish Bank.
The offence is alleged to have occurred between March 25th, 2003, and December 31st, 2004, and relates to a number of named accounts.
Mr O’Mahoney, a business consultant, with an address at Glen Pines, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, held his position at the bank until December 2004. He denies the charge.
Jury selected
Judge
Martin Nolan
at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard from barristers in the case that the trial is expected to last four to six weeks. A jury of eight women and four men was selected and the trial is to begin on Monday.
Prior to the jury swearing process, Judge Nolan told the panel that anyone who had any association with Anglo Irish Bank, such as by working there or holding shares, or who knew anyone who had such an association, should not serve on the jury. He also said that no one working in the Revenue should serve. The judge said anyone who felt they could not act impartially or had strong feelings about the bank should also not serve.
He warned that investigating Mr O’Mahoney on the internet would be a breach of their oath. Judge Nolan said Mr O’Mahoney was entitled to a fair and impartial trial and should be tried only on what is heard in the court.
Dominic McGinn SC and Kerida Naidoo SC, will appear for the prosecution, and Brendan Grehan SC, with Lorcan Staines and Edward Doocy, will appear for Mr O’Mahoney.
