A judge today refused to allow an Irish property developer embroiled in a legal fight with two of Britain’s best-known businessmen to give evidence at a private High Court hearing in London.
Patrick McKillen, from Belfast, said evidence he wished to give related to "personal financial matters" and should not be heard in public.
Several media organisations objected to Mr McKillen's evidence being heard behind closed doors at the High Court in London.
His application was opposed by The Irish Times, Independent News and Media, the Guardian, the Financial Times and the London Times Newspapers.
High Court judge Mr Justice David Richards today dismissed Mr McKillen's privacy application.
The judge said the nature of Mr McKillen's evidence came "nowhere near" overcoming the "basic requirement for open justice".
Mr McKillen is embroiled in a court battle with Sir David Barclay and twin brother Sir Frederick Barclay over the control of three of London's most famous hotels.
All three men were investors in Coroin - the company which owns Claridge's, the Connaught and the Berkeley hotels, Mr Justice David Richards has been told during a High Court trial which started in London in March.
Mr McKillen sued - claiming that "company affairs" were conducted in a "manner unfairly prejudicial to his interests".
The Barclay brothers deny Mr McKillen's allegation of "unlawful" behaviour and say his complaints are designed to "embarrass" them and "tarnish" their reputations.
Mr McKillen has already given evidence in public at the trial, which continues. He wanted to return to give more evidence at a private hearing.
PA