Cahir O’Higgins, 45, appeared briefly before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Friday in order to set a trial date.

He denies one charge of stealing €400, the property of Raul Sanz Quilis, on 30 July 2016, as well as four counts of perverting the course of justice in December 2017, by giving Detective Garda Colm Kelly a copy of notes purportedly made on 30 July 2016 when he knew they were not made on that date.

Mr O’Higgins was seeking the earliest trial date possible, his barrister Karl Monahan BL told the court.

“This prosecution has had a devastating impact on his personal and professional life,” Mr Monahan said. “He wants to meet the case head on and reclaim his reputation.”

Judge Martin Nolan said that there was a backlog of “dozens” of custody cases, which must take precedence over those who are on bail while awaiting trial.

He set a trial date for 4 April 2022, with a pre-trial hearing on 10 March 2022.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis and the backlog of cases before the courts, only cases involving senior counsel are being given pre-trial hearings. Mr O’Higgins will be defended by Michael O’Higgins SC, the court heard, while Ronan Kennedy SC is prosecuting the case.

Mr Kennedy asked for leave to mention the case in October should “another matter” arise. Judge Nolan agreed.