A Louth businessman who was demoted from the position of company director after he sleepwalked naked to a room of a secretary during a business trip in 2007, is suing his former employee for defamation.

Donal Kinsella (67) told the High Court he believes the incident was used to reduce his status in the company in order to give control to the company's chairman and his son.

The Kerry company, Kenmare Resources, issued a press release after the incident which caused widespread media coverage.

An independent inquiry, later absolved Mr Kinsella from any wrongdoing.

However he told the court that he was subjected to cat calling and jokes in all social situations.

The case continues at the High Court.