The trial of chef Conrad Gallagher on charges of theft has begun this morning.
Mr Gallagher (32), formerly of Killiney Hill Road, Killiney, is denying allegations he stole three paintings in December 2000.
He returned from the United States in May to face court proceedings relating to the alleged theft of three paintings from his former restaurant, Peacock Alley, in Dublin's Fitzwilliam Hotel.
He failed to turn up at his trial on October 15th, 2002, after notifying the court he would be pleading not guilty. A warrant was issued for his arrest in November, allowing the prosecution to seek an extradition warrant.
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He was arrested outside his Manhattan bar, Traffic, in April and held on an extradition warrant at the Metropolitan Detention Centre.