1630s law means English firm cannot fund legal case

A High Court judge has refused to allow an English company to fund a legal action against the State, businessman Denis O’Brien, and former government minister Michael Lowry.

The decision, based on a law that dates back to 1634, means the case will not go ahead, as the plaintiff does not have enough money to pay the legal fees.

Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly said yesterday that third-party funding in such cases is illegal under Irish law. The plaintiff, James Boyle, of Persona Digital Telephony, said he does not have the €10m required, so would have to drop the case.