‘when Mrs Byrne gave evidence at that hearing she was unable to explain any aspect of the accounts and knew very little about the company. I had and have no difficulty in accepting Mrs Hart's evidence that it was Mr Hart who controls that company also and the records that it kept. That view is reinforced by the explanation that Mr Hart gave at the hearing in March 2017 about how Drakestown's income was applied – Halesowen Ltd collected the rents, paid them to the trust company, Dudley Estates Ltd (which he controls) which then re-applied some of the income to Drakestown (see response xv in Mr Hart's statement of22nd March 2017 ).’
‘As I will go on to describe the three Respondents appeared by the same solicitors and counsel (Ms Seddon) on6th March 2017 . On27th March 2017 they instructed new counsel (Mr Trevis) through the same solicitors. At this hearing, after an agreed adjournment to reflect his commitments, Mr Armstrong represented them. I have raised with each counsel whether there is any suggestion that Mrs Byrne and the company were wrongly joined to these proceedings and was told in March that there was not and at this hearing that the matter had not been considered by Mr Armstrong but without submission that there was any form of misjoinder.’
‘W’s primary position is therefore that, as a matter of logic, having found that W has proved H to be in contempt of court, it is impossible to conclude that the same evidence does not compel the same conclusion in respect of the breaches of the orders of 24th February and29th July 2016 by R3 and R4. Putting it differently, R3 and R4 have put nothing new before the court to permit any contrary conclusion (a submission which acknowledges that W alone bears the burden, but which acknowledges the reality of the stage that has been reached in proceedings).’
‘We have been passed a letter whereby you wrote to Mr John Hart personally. We, Halesowen Estates Ltd are replying to this letter...Our company is conducting efficient and effective management of its assets and will continue to do so under our contract with Drakestown Properties Ltd…You state that all current rents should be paid to your client. All licence agreements are in the name of Halesowen Estates Ltd and we have the right to collect rent at present under our contract agreement...One other major point is that Drakestown Properties Ltd owe our company a substantial amount of funds. In view of this we hold a lien over all documents and funds belonging to Drakestown Properties Ltd until such time as our company is paid in full’
‘Should Mrs Hart require any further information about how Halesowen Estates Ltd is run, then please do not hesitate to ask questions which I am more than happy to answer’