Sean FitzPatrick trial: 3 replacement jurors sworn in
Judge says jury must approach the case with 'absolute impartiality'
Three replacement jurors were sworn in today for the deception trial of former Anglo Irish Bank boss Sean FitzPatrick.
Two of the 15-strong jury panel sworn in last week were excused by Judge John Aylmer this morning while a third was discharged after it emerged he had a connection to someone involved in the case.
FitzPatrick of Whitshed Road in Greystones, Co Wicklow is accused of misleading the bank's auditors Ernst & Young, now called EY, in relation to multi-million euro loans from the bank to him and those connected to him between 2002 and 2008. He denies a total of 27 charges.
The trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court is due to last 12 weeks. The enlarged jury panel reflects the projected length of the case.
Ahead of swearing in three male jurors Judge Aylmer reminded those summoned to court for jury duty that they should not serve in certain circumstances.
Those who were told to excuse themselves included persons who have strong views about Anglo Irish Bank, person employed by financial institutions, relevant regulatory bodies and those who have engaged in anti-austerity protests.
Judge Aylmer recalled the nine women and six men to give them a final opportunity to reflect on his warning that they must be capable of approaching the case with absolute impartiality.
