The High Court has ruled that lawyers for Denis O’Brien can have access to the personal devices of the named defendants in his action for conspiracy against Red Flag Consulting.

Forensic imaging has already taken place of the firm’s IT systems, but argument had arisen over the scope of the earlier court order.

Judge MacEochaidh suggested a compromise that only the defendants named in the action, who include former executives at Independent News and Media, would surrender their personal devices which have been used for work purposes.

He also asked that Mr O’Brien should pay for this process upfront, a condition accepted by lawyers for the businessman.

Mr O'Brien's action to inspect the forensic images of the IT systems and devices will be heard next month.

Red Flag deny any wrongdoing, and have said they are concerned as to how material they prepared ended up in the hands of Mr O'Brien.