An events promoter has avoided the threat of jail over a €250,000 debt to comedian Mario Rosenstock after being declared bankrupt.
Dublin District Court heard that concert and events promoter Darryl Downey owed the money to Blue Elf Inc Ltd, a company owned by Mr Rosenstock. However, he was unable to keep up with a repayments schedule ordered by the District Court.
Mr Rosenstock’s firm had tried to have Mr Downey jailed as a result of the arrears, and a judge had warned the promoter earlier that he had a draft warrant for arrest and committal on file.
However, on Tuesday Mr Downey’s barrister, Tessa White, told Judge Michael Coghlan that since the case was last before the court in March, Mr Downey has been adjudicated bankrupt and his creditors have been notified. A copy of the bankruptcy order was furnished to the court.
Judge Coghlan said for that reason he could make no order in relation to the matter.
The debt related to live shows going back to 2012 as a result of which about €750,000 was owed to Blue Elf Inc Ltd. Some €500,000 was paid over, but Mr Downey said he did not at present have the funds to pay the rest.
At a hearing last December, Judge Coghlan said Mr Downey was a “failed promoter”, and he adjourned the case “to enable him to get a job, any job” which pays a “normal weekly wage”.
On March 14th last, Judge Coghlan again warned Mr Downey that he had a duty to enforce the matter.