THE MULTIMILLIONAIRE founder of the Galen pharmaceutical empire yesterday accused former investors of attempting “character assassination” by taking a High Court case against him.

A vindicated Sir Allen McClay revealed his hurt after a group of doctors and their relatives dramatically dropped allegations of fraud in the action involving him and his former partner, the late Bertie Robinson. All legal proceedings were abandoned by the doctors, who had claimed they invested directly into Sir Allen’s fledgling company 40 years ago.

Outside the court, the entrepreneur, now chairman of the Craigavon-based Almac pharmaceuticals and one of Ireland’s richest men, claimed the case should never have reached court.

He said: “It’s something that was never justified.

“I felt very hurt, and, in actual fact, I thought it was a kind of character assassination. Not just on me, but on other professional people in this province.”

Lawyers for the doctors confirmed no further action would be taken, on the third morning of a case which had been due to run for two weeks.

In a statement read out on behalf of the group, Mark Horner QC said: “In light of the evidence before the court, we wish to withdraw unreservedly all the allegations of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and any wrongdoings made in these proceedings.”

In addition to Sir Allen and the estate of Mr Robinson, the statement covered seven other men and women, a firm of chartered accountants and their solicitors.

Mr Horner added: “The applicants and those supporting them now wish to withdraw these proceedings in their entirety and undertake to the court that no further proceedings in relation to this matter of any kind will be commenced against Sir Allen McClay, the late Bertie Robinson or his personal representatives or any of the above named persons.”

No order for costs was made before Mr Justice Stephens formally dismissed the doctors’ applications.