Man 'wanted pounds 200,000 for BCCI files'

AN ACCOUNTANT expected defence solicitors to pay pounds 200,000 for sensitive documents uncovered during the official inquiry into the collapsed Bank of Credit and Commerce International, the Old Bailey was told yesterday.

Bernard Lynch, 28, acted as 'go-between' in a plot with another accountant, Mark Braley, 25, who was part of the Serious Fraud Office inquiry, Timothy Langdale, for the prosecution, said. Lynch attempted to sell files to Michael Barratt, a defence solicitor for a businessman linked to the BCCI investigation.

Braley told detectives that according to Lynch, Mr Barratt had access to pounds 200,000. If Braley was prepared to supply inside material, most of the money would go to him. Mr Barratt exposed the plan to police.

Lynch, of Forest Hill, south London, and Braley, of Hayes, west London, deny conspiring to pervert the course of justice. Both have admitted to conspiring corruptly to obtain a consideration from Mr Barratt, and Braley alone to the theft of four share certificates from HM Customs.

The trial continues today.