Firm wins bid to stop bank closing accounts

A company involved in the operation of an adult website has secured an interim High Court order preventing AIB closing three of the firm’s bank accounts.

Granity Entertainment Ltd, which is involved in the operation of the web cam site ‘cam4.com’, sought the injunction following AIB’s decision to close the firms accounts next Monday.

Mr Justice Sean Ryan was told the company needed time to make alternative banking arrangements.

The website, the court heard, allows users to view “amateur performers” via webcams. Users can also “tip” the performers.

Granity director Simon Dowson told the court the site is legal and for adults only. It had more than 2bn hits globally in 2013 and generated revenues of $120,000 (€88,000) last year in Ireland.

Mr Justice Ryan granted the company an interim injunction until March 31 an ex parte basis. The case will come before the court again on Tuesday.

However, the judge also gave the bank liberty to apply to have the matter brought before the High Court before then.