The discovery hearing in the trial of former solicitor Michael Lynn, on multi-million euro theft charges, has been set for 27 January.

Michael Lynn was extradited from Brazil last year in order to face the charges of theft of almost €30 million from banks and financial institutions.

Lynn absconded from Ireland during the financial crash, and was then arrested in Brazil, spending almost four years on remand.

The charges include theft of €4.1 million from Irish Nationwide on 4 April 2007, and €3.6 million from Ulster Bank on 20 October 2006. Lynn (50) faces a total of 21 counts of theft.

Last month, the Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal taken by Mr Lynn against a High Court ruling.

Extradition

As part of the Brazilian extradition process, the authorities there sought assurances that Lynn would not face more than 30 years in prison, and that his time in jail in that country would be deducted from any sentence in Ireland.

His legal team argued unsuccessfully in the High Court that these assurances could not be guaranteed, due to the constitutional separation of powers. The Court of Appeal then dismissed an appeal.

Last month, three Supreme Court judges decided the case had been adequately addressed in the High Court and Court of Appeal.

Threats

Mr Lynn said he faced death threats and extortion while in Cotel prison in the Brazilian city of Recife, and that he had suffered ongoing mental trauma as a result.

Following a Law Society investigation, his practice was closed in October 2007, and he was subsequently struck off the Roll of Solicitors.