Trial of Anglo Irish executives begins

Trial proceedings are beginning in the case against former Anglo Chairman Sean FitzPatrick, the bank’s former head of Irish operations Pat Whelan, and former Finance Director Willie McAteer.

The three accused have been re-arraigned and have entered not guilty pleas.

The jury arrived shortly before 11am, when the court was filled with of lawyers and at least 40 members of the press.

Judge Nolan excused 131 people from serving last Friday, after they said they had an issue with being on the jury. Two people were excused for being employed with banks and one person was excused for owning AIB shares.

[comment] Pat Whelan[/comment]

Judge Martin Nolan today asked the jury members if they are all still happy to serve.

After handing a letter to the judge one juror member was excused. Judge Nolan said that he was excusing the juror “by reason of certain private considerations” and said he would not make this reason public.

Another juror said that once it became known to his family on Friday that he was serving as a juror on this trial he learned that his sister has served in a company facility with IBRC (formerly Anglo Irish Bank).

[comment] Willie McAteer[/comment]

Senior counsel for the DPP, Paul O’Higgins, asked if the juror’s sister has had any involvement with the witnesses. The juror said he didn’t know because he has not discussed it further with his sister.

Mr O’Higgins and counsel for all three defence teams then said that had no issues with this juror continuing to serve.

Given that one juror has now been dismissed the Court must now select a substitute juror from today’s regular jury panel.