Case No. 2752Defamation (civil) · Co. Dublin
Ryanair defamation case against ex-pilot to be joined to Channel 4 action
Ryanair's defamation case against former pilot John Goss should be joined to its separate action against Channel 4 over a 2013 Dispatches programme, the High Court was told on 12 December 2024. Mr Justice Alexander Owens said he was disposed to joining the matters and adjourned the hearing to 28 January 2025.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court12 Dec
2 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports15 statements extracted from the articles
- whatMoloney plans to apply to the High Court to vary an injunction that has frozen his assets since spring 2021. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe order restrains Moloney from reducing his assets below €1.1 million. (irishtimes.com)
- whatBóthar alleged Moloney misappropriated at least €1.1 million in donations. (irishtimes.com)
- whatMoloney admitted before the court that he used donated sums for personal use. (irishtimes.com)
- whatMoloney joined Bóthar in 1995 and held the post of chief executive for eight years before resigning in February 2021. (irishtimes.com)
- whatIn May 2021, Moloney submitted an affidavit admitting he misappropriated large donated sums by spending them on family holidays and on friends. (irishtimes.com)
- whatPeter Ireton died at his home in Castletroy, Co Limerick, aged 68, less than a fortnight after Bóthar initiated its case. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe programme focused on alleged fuel level concerns of pilots in Spain in July 2012. (irishtimes.com)
- whereMoloney is from Clino, Newport, Co Tipperary. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationIn a public notice published last February, the regulator said the Garda investigation was still under way. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMr Justice Brian Cregan directed Moloney to deliver his defence within eight weeks and gave him permission to issue a motion seeking to vary the freezing order. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe case first came before the High Court in April 2021 when Bóthar secured an order preventing Moloney from dissipating his assets below €465,000. (irishtimes.com)
- courtRyanair is suing Channel 4 and Blakeway Productions Limited over a 2013 broadcast of Dispatches. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe matter was adjourned to be next mentioned on 28 January. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe case against Channel 4 is due to be heard in the High Court the following June and is expected to last three weeks. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 12 Dec2024Ryanair defamation case against ex-pilot should be joined to Channel 4 action, High Court told
First report of the Ryanair defamation proceedings; Mr Justice Owens disposed to joining the Goss case to the Channel 4 action, adjourned to 28 January 2025.
accused, John Goss, male, namedJohn Goss - 12 Dec2024Former Bóthar chief executive wants to vary asset freezing order and deliver defence, court hears
Reports on a High Court hearing where Moloney's lawyers outlined plans to deliver his defence and seek to vary the freezing order; Mr Justice Cregan directed delivery within eight weeks and permitted a motion to vary the order.
accused, David Moloney, male, named, irish (judged from name)David Moloneyaccused, Vincent Ireton, named, irish (judged from name)Vincent Ireton