A number of properties owned by convicted drug dealer John Gilligan and his family are uninsured and at risk of destruction, by accident or otherwise, it was claimed at the High Court yesterday.
The Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) is seeking to have a receiver appointed to take over the properties so that they can be maintained and/or rented out.
The Supreme Court has imposed a stay on sale of the properties pending the outcome of a challenge by Gilligan and his family to such a sale.
Gilligan, who has discharged his legal team and is now representing himself, argued the Cab could not maintain or rent the properties because of that stay. The Cab disputed that claim.
The High Court has already found the properties were bought with the proceeds of crime but the Gilligans have appealed that finding to the Supreme Court.
Yesterday, Gilligan told Mr Justice Kevin Feeney there had been no hearing in relation to having the properties declared proceeds of crime. He said the High Court order had been made as a housekeeping or procedural matter.
Michael McDowell SC, for the Cab, said it believed that, unless a receiver was appointed, the properties, which include the Jessbrook Equestrian Centre on the Meath/Kildare border in Enfield and two houses in Lucan, could lose value. The properties were also at risk of damage or destruction, the cost of which could not be be recovered because they were not insured, he said.
Mr McDowell submitted that Jessbrook had all the appearances of being deserted and at "risk of dilapidation" while the Lucan properties were unkempt and not well maintained.
The Cab was concerned not only about general insurance but third party liability should a person be seriously injured on the properties, said Mr McDowell. It was also concerned about possible tenants' rights (to remain in the properties) which might arise as a result of changes in tenancy law in recent years.
Last Friday Mr Justice Feeney ordered representatives of the Cab and of Mrs Gilligan to take photographs of the up-to date condition of Jessbrook.
Yesterday the judge was shown these photographs.