The case of a Cork barrister charged with intimidating a witness involved in his client's court case was sent forward for trial to Cork Circuit Criminal Court yesterday.
The book of evidence was served on Mr Padraig Cullinane, of Courthouse Chambers, Washington Street, Cork at Cork District Court yesterday morning.
The 43 year-old barrister replied 'absolutely not guilty' when arrested and charged last month.
Mr Cullinane is accused of intimidating a witness during a court case at Camden Quay Courthouse last year.
The charge states that on November 4th, 2002, Mr Cullinane intimidated Ms Caroline Settini, who was a potential witness in proceedings where Mr Hichan Settini was prosecuted for allegedly obtaining cash from health boards.
The state alleges that the barrister intentionally set out to obstruct, pervert or interfere with the course of justice, contrary to Section 41-(1) (5) of the Criminal Justice Act 1999.
His defence solicitor Mr Donal Daly told the court he had been instructed by his client to say that the charge would be 'vigorously contested' and that Mr Cullinane would be fighting the case 'tooth and nail'.
The barrister was remanded on continuing bail to appear before the current sittings of Cork Circuit Criminal Court on October 30th.