Celtic Tiger celeb Marcus Sweeney warned he will be thrown out of court for ‘begin a nuisance’

High Court Judge Rebukes Controversial Restaurateur

Marcus Sweeney, a prominent figure in irelands “celtic Tiger” era known for his restaurant empire and social connections, recently faced a stern rebuke from a High Court judge. The judge, mr.Justice Alexander Owens, dismissed Sweeney’s attempts to re-enter a case concerning the seizure of his property by the Criminal Assets bureau (CAB).

CAB Case Against Sweeney

In march 2023, Sweeney’s firm, EWM Property Holdings Ltd., agreed to hand over land in County Meath following a CAB investigation.The CAB alleged that this land, acquired through EWM, was financed with proceeds from criminal activity.

“The bureau made out a ‘very compelling case’ for me to rule that there was a ‘high degree of probability’ that the site at Waynestown was acquired by EWM with crime proceeds,” Mr. Justice Owens stated.

CAB investigators claimed that Sweeney’s wealth management fund purchased the land for €102,000 using a combination of cash from unidentified sources, funds from another investment company, and contributions from an innocent investor.

Previous allegations

Mr. Justice Owens has previously linked Sweeney to organized crime figures, stating in court, “Mr. Sweeney is up to his oxters” regarding his associations with them. The court also heard claims that Brian Grendon,a convicted heroin dealer,invested in one of Sweeney’s companies,Evergreen,in 2015. While Grendon was not party to the CAB proceedings against EWM, his involvement further fueled concerns about Sweeney’s dealings.

courtroom Exchange

During a recent hearing where Sweeney attempted to reopen the case, Mr. Justice Owens expressed his frustration with Sweeney’s approach. “I have neither hint nor hair of what you are on about,” the judge remarked after reviewing Sweeney’s submissions.

“Just listen to me. I have made final orders in relation to that,” Mr. Justice Owens asserted, underscoring the finality of the court’s previous decision. He emphasized that proper legal procedures, including sworn affidavits and motions, were required for any further action.

Implications

This incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny faced by individuals associated with Ireland‘s “Celtic Tiger” era. While Sweeney continues to maintain his innocence, the court’s strong stance underscores the seriousness of allegations concerning criminal activity and the determination of authorities to recover ill-gotten gains.

Given the outflow of illicit funds during the boom years, what actions are being taken to ensure the triumphant prosecution of individuals involved in such activities, despite the passage of time?

An Interview with Mr. Justice Alexander Owens: On Holding wrongdoers to Account in ireland’s Post-Celtic Tiger Era

Justice Owens, thank you for agreeing to this interview. To start,could you tell us about your role in the recent ruling against Marcus sweeney adn his company,EWM Property Holdings Ltd?

Thank you for having me. As a High Court judge, it’s my duty to uphold the law and ensure that justice is served. In the case of Marcus Sweeney and EWM property Holdings, I presided over the seizure of their property following a compelling case presented by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB).

That case involved allegations of criminal proceeds being used to purchase land in County Meath. Could you elaborate on the evidence presented and your decision to rule in favor of the CAB?

The CAB presented a robust case, demonstrating a high degree of probability that the land in question was acquired using proceeds from criminal activity. The funds traced back to EWM were a mix of cash from unidentified sources, funds from another investment company, and contributions from an innocent investor. Given the totality of the evidence, I ruled in favor of the CAB.

During the hearing, you expressed frustration with Mr.Sweeney’s attempts to reopen the case. What steps should litigants take to respect the finality of court decisions?

I expect litigants to respect the finality of court decisions,as this is a vital tenet of our judicial system. To do so, one should follow proper legal procedures, including submitting sworn affidavits and motions, rather of vague submissions that do not engage with the evidence at hand.

You’ve previously linked Mr. Sweeney to organized crime figures. How significant is this trend of figures from Ireland’s ‘Celtic Tiger’ era facing scrutiny for alleged wrongdoings?

Given the outflow of illicit funds during the boom years, the ongoing scrutiny of individuals associated with that era is notable. Authorities are committed to recovering ill-gotten gains and dismantling organized crime networks. The public can expect continued focus on these matters.

Lastly, what message do you hope your ruling sends to those who might consider engaging in criminal activity to amass wealth?

My ruling sends a clear message: those who engage in criminal activity to accumulate wealth will face the consequences. Our courts will not tolerate such behavior, and we will work diligently to recover any ill-gotten gains. Crime does not pay.