CARROLL'S LAST HOPE.

Byline: DEMELZA de BURCA

DEVELOPER Liam Carroll was yesterday given one last chance to save his sinking property empire when a High Court judge allowed a second petition for creditor protection to be heard.

After the court rejected an appeal to ring-fence Carroll's assets from creditors last week, lawyers for the developer brought new and previously unpresented evidence to the court.

Justice John Cooke said yesterday there was a clear imperative to hear the petition. He will name a date for the hearing on Monday, adding it will likely be within the next seven days.

Mr Justice Cooke said: "It remains before the court that hears that petition whether all the defects of the first petition are adequately answered."

Six companies controlled by Liam Carroll, one of the country's largest property developers, lost their first bid to have an examiner appointed to them on July 31.