Gemma O'Doherty contempt proceedings adjourned over third party funding claim

Contempt of court proceedings against Gemma O'Doherty in the High Court have been adjourned to July following a request for time to address allegations concerning third party funding of the plaintiff's case. Ms O'Doherty has claimed that champerty and maintenance laws have been breached, citing a fundraiser allegedly organised for Edel Campbell of Kingscourt, County Cavan, which she says raised over €24,000, with many donors remaining anonymous. Ms Campbell's legal team denies any wrongdoing and rejects the allegations. The case arises from Ms Campbell's claim that Ms O'Doherty, trading as "The Irish Light", used an unauthorised image of her late son Diego Gilsenan in an article. An injunction was previously secured restraining Ms O'Doherty from harassing Ms Campbell. The defendant denies breaching that order and rejects all allegations against her. Mr Justice Mark Sanfey directed both parties to exchange further sworn statements before the matter returns to court.