Ex-boxer Paul Hyland faces arrest for failing to appear in court over €83k debt

Paul Hyland of Rathmintin Crescent, Tallaght, Dublin, was involved in a car accident while driving uninsured in December 2013.

The MIBI – which compensates victims of road traffic accidents involving uninsured drivers – subsequently secured an order against him for €83,691 under its right to recovery.

Dublin District Court heard no payment has been made to date.

Mr Dermot Cogan, claims recovery specialist with the MIBI, told the court there has been no communication from Mr Hyland, except for a solicitor’s letter asking for a breakdown of the amount.

He said the MIBI carried out a background check into Mr Hyland and learned he was a professional boxer who had previously competed for a European title.

Mr Hyland also ran a security company called Orthodox Security Limited.

“From our investigations online he seems to have a net worth of between one and four million,” Mr Cogan said.

In June 2021, an instalment order was granted in favour of the MIBI.

The court heard this was served by registered post on June 9 last year and a committal summons for failure to comply was served personally on Mr Hyland at a house in Rathmintin Crescent last December 15 .

Mr Cogan stated he was still living in Ireland and had been made aware of the hearing.

Judge Marie Quirke then granted a bench warrant for his arrest over Mr Hyland’s failure to appear in court.

“He will be brought before the court by gardaí, a new date will be issued and you will be informed,” she said.

When contacted for comment by the Sunday World, Mr Hyland said: “I’m a former boxer. I don’t know what to say. I didn’t know I was up in court.

“The motor insurance hasn’t been in touch.”

He also said he no longer lived at the address mentioned in court. “Any post that’s gone there I don’t get. I’ll have to contact my solicitor,” Mr Hyland also said.

The MIBI has been seeking the issuing of bench warrants for drivers who fail to pay their debts or who do not appear in court.

Injury claims are brought against the MIBI in cases involving an untraceable or uninsured driver.

Mr Hyland had been involved in an accident while driving in Mespil Road, Dublin, in December 2013.

After the initial demand letter for the money was sent by the MIBI, Mr Hyland responded to say he needed to contact a solicitor and would be in touch.

The MIBI subsequently received a letter asking for a breakdown of the amount owed by Mr Hyland.

“We sent a breakdown of the costs and heard nothing since,” Mr Cogan told the court.

The MIBI is non-profit making organisation.

All companies underwriting motor insurance in Ireland must be members of the MIBI, as provided for under the Road Traffic Act 1961.

These companies must also fund the MIBI by means of payment of an annual levy contribution.