Financial advisor O'Brien aims to stop fraud trial

Financial advisor Breifne O'Brien has launched a High Court challenge aimed at stopping his upcoming trial on charges relating to an alleged €13m 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.

Breifne O'Brien (aged 51) is facing trial on 45 charges relating to alleged investment fraud.

The financier is accused of deception and the theft of millions of euros from five individuals between 2006 and 2008.

He is now trying to stop the case from going ahead at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on the grounds he has been exposed to adverse and continued pre-trial publicity which breaches his right to a fair trial.

His barrister Patrick McGrath told the High Court there has been continued repetition of comments made in civil proceedings involving the businessman in 2009.

Mr Justice Michael Peart is allowing the legal challenge to go ahead but because a trial date has not been set.

He has refused to grant an order putting a stay on the prosecution.