The High Court was told today that Gerry Hutch, who is also known by his nickname “The Monk”, has no money to pay lawyers to represent him in a tax claim being brought by the Criminal Assets Bureau. The CAB is seeking a judgement against Mr Hutch, of the Paddocks, Haddon Court in Clontarf, for nearly £2 million. But today the High Court was told that he has no money. The question of legal aid was raised by Mr Justice Higgins but has not yet been resolved.
During today's hearing, Mr Hutch's solicitor Gabrielle Wolfe, dismissed a barrister retained last night and thanked him for all he had done. She then proceeded to personally refute allegations from CAB lawyers that she was engaging in delaying tactics on behalf of her client, who it was claimed is setting his face against defending this action. Ms Wolfe is having difficulties retaining lawyers to represent her client. She told the court that she had briefed senior and junior counsel on Wednesday and that she had only discovered last night that they would not act for her client at today's hearing. CAB wanted the judgement entered against Gerry Hutch at today's hearing while he was seeking an adjournment because of his difficulties. Ms Wolfe said her client had no finances with which to brief counsel. He has property but the deeds have been ceased by the Criminal Assets Bureau and he is not in a position to sell them.
Mr Justice O'Higgins, who had been concerned about what he called “illegitimate tactics” being employed, accepted Ms Wolfe's explanation and granted an adjournment. However he warned that the case will proceed on a new date to be set next week.
