After weeks of delays, the case against former entrepreneur Brad Cooper and his involvement in the collapse of HIH finally began in the NSW Supreme Court last week. The former entrepreneur pleaded not guilty to all 13 criminal charges – six of which relate to alleged payments and an offer of employment he gave to HIH executive Bill Howard in return for favourable treatment of Mr Cooper’s companies.

The seven other charges relate to claims by Mr Cooper for money he said HIH owed him. The prosecution alleges Mr Cooper knew invoices he submitted for more than $2.4 million were false.

Mr Howard also alleges he helped Mr Cooper secure $250,000 for the Collingwood Football Club – Mr Cooper was its Vice President – despite knowing HIH was failing, because he was “tired of dealing with matters and disputes with Mr Cooper”.

The trial is expected to take several weeks and involves more than 20 witnesses.