Financial advisor Breifne O'Brien has launched a High Court challenge aimed at stopping his upcoming trial on charges relating to an alleged €13 million investment fraud.
The well-known businessman who is originally from Cork but lives in Monkstown Grove in Co. Dublin claims pre-trial publicity may prejudice his case.
His barrister Patrick McGrath, SC, told the court that the 51-year-old is facing prosecution at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 45 counts of theft and dishonestly making gains.
The alleged thefts occurred between 2006 and 2008 and relate to 5 individuals whose names are Martin O'Brien, Pat Doyle, Evan Newall, Louis Dowley and Daniel Maher.
'Continued repetition in the media'
Mr. O'Brien is trying to stop proceedings on the basis that he has been exposed to adverse and continued pre-trial publicity that could violate his right to a trial in due course of law.
Mr. McGrath told the High Court there has been continued repetition in the media of comments made in civil proceedings involving the businessman in 2009.
Mr. Justice Michael Peart has granted leave for the challenge to go ahead.
He was asked to put a stay on the prosecution in the meantime but he refused because a trial date has not yet been fixed.
