Former Swiss banker collapses in WikiLeaks trial

A file photo shows former Swiss private banker Rudolf Elmer (R) being accompanied by his lawyer Ganden Tethong Blattner as they arrive before a hearing of an appeal at the high court in Zurich November 17, 2011. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/Files

ZURICH (Reuters) - The trial of a former Julius Baer banker accused of breaching Swiss banking secrecy laws by handing over confidential data about offshore clients to WikiLeaks was halted on Wednesday after the defendant collapsed.

Rudolf Elmer, a former senior executive at Baer's Cayman Islands' office, fainted outside the courtroom in Zurich after earlier complaining of a headache. The 59-year-old, who denies the charges, was taken away by ambulance and a spokesman for the court said it was unclear when his trial would resume.