Legal submissions heard in TD libel trial

The High Court heard nearly an hour and a half of legal submissions this morning on whether a subpoenaed witness in the Cooper…

The High Court heard nearly an hour and a half of legal submissions this morning on whether a subpoenaed witness in the Cooper-Flynn libel trial has the right to claim privilege.

Legal argument was presented to the court this morning without the jury being present.

In the afternoon, Justice Morris made a brief ruling on whether or not Mr Nigel Darcy has the right to claim privilege. The ruling cannot be reported for legal reasons.

In evidence heard yesterday, Mr Darcy, a former superior of Ms Beverley Cooper-Flynn at the National Irish Bank, (NIB), sought the protection of the court and claimed immunity.

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Today isthe 18th day of Ms Cooper-Flynn's action alleging libel against RTÉ, journalist Charlie Bird and a retired farmer, Mr James Howard, Wheaton Hall, Drogheda. She claims she was libelled in broadcasts in June-July 1998, and words used meant she had instigated a scheme intended as a means to evade the lawful payment of tax. The defence denies libel.

The case continues tommorrow morning.