A date for the arraignment of businessman Breifne O’Brien, who is facing multiple charges of theft and deception, has been set for next April.
The Cork-born financial adviser appeared before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court yesterday charged with the offences under the Theft and Fraud Act.
Mr O’Brien (51), of Kilmore, Monkstown Grove, Dublin, faces 19 charges of theft of sums totalling about €11 million from five individuals and 19 charges of deception of the same people, which allegedly occurred between 2006 and 2008. Further charges allege deception involving €1.9 million.
Patrick McCullough, defending, told the court the matter was now subject to a judicial review and that the next hearing date for this review was March 19th.
Asking for an adjournment, counsel said there was still some outstanding disclosure of evidence to be dealt with in the case. He said the case involved three volumes of documents extending to 1,500 pages.
Refusing the application to adjourn for three months Judge Mary Ellen Ring said she would be anxious to set a trial date as soon as possible.
She adjourned the case for arraignment on April 9th.