A Dublin-based criminal solicitor accused of assault causing harm to another well-known lawyer is facing further charges of assault and harassment of the same man.

In reply to the new assault charges, Cahir O’Higgins, whose firm is based on Parkgate Street in Dublin City Centre, claimed “vile things” were said about him.

In February, Mr O’Higgins appeared before the same court charged with assault causing harm to a fellow solicitor, Stephen O’Mahony, whom he worked with for a number of years before Mr O’Mahony left to set up his own practice last year.

According to these new charges, Mr O’Higgins is accused of harassing Mr O’Mahony from June 25th last year until February 11th of this year.

Two charges of minor assault were also added to the indictment. They are alleged to have taken place at the Criminal Courts of Justice complex late last year.

After the new charges were put to him, the court heard Mr O’Higgins read out a statement, during which he claimed he was defending himself and had reason to believe it was necessary to do so.

He is due back in court next month.