A barrister has been arrested and charged with intimidating a witness during a court case in Cork last year.
Cork District Court heard that Mr Pádraig Cullinane (43), Courthouse Chambers, Washington Street, Cork, presented himself by agreement to Det Sgt Edmond Fogarty at Anglesea Street yesterday morning.
Judge Con O'Leary was told that Mr Cullinane replied "absolutely not guilty" when arrested and formally charged by the Garda officer.
He 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 Hichan Settini was prosecuted for allegedly obtaining cash from health boards.
The State alleges that Mr Cullinane 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.
Solicitor Mr Donal Daly, defending, told the court he had been instructed by his client to say that the charge would be "vigorously contested".
Mr Cullinane was released on his own bail of €500 and the case was adjourned until October 23rd. The court heard that the Director of Public Prosecution has given his consent to trial by indictment and that eventually the case will proceed to trial before judge and jury.