Denis O’Brien's legal team granted access to PR firm's computer files

Lawyers for Denis O’Brien have been granted access to a PR firm’s computer files in the High Court today.

Denis O’Brien is accusing Red Flag Consulting of conspiracy against him, and is seeking an order allowing him to inspect the company IT systems.

In the High Court today, lawyers for Red Flag said they had no issue with handing over copies of computer files, a process known as "forensic imaging".

But barrister Michael Collins questioned how Mr O’Brien obtained a dossier of files that were on his clients’ computers.

The High Court heard that Mr O’Brien had been given the files anonymously on a memory stick.

Judge Colm Mac Eochaidh granted an order for the forensic imaging of computers belonging to Red Flag, a company set up by former staff members at Independent News and Media, of which Mr O’Brien is a major shareholder.

Judge MacEochaidh also ordered that the memory stick in Mr O'Brien's possession be handed over to the plaintiff's solicitor, and added that it should not be interfered with.

The case was put back until December 8.