The importance of being open and honest while using divorce lawyers in Manchester has been highlighted by entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne’s own separation battle, as he was found to have provided false evidence to the courts.
Inaccurate information was given in the divorce case over a business agreement, which Judge David Hodge believed was an attempt for the 66-year-old to keep more money for himself during financial negotiations with his ex-wife Joanne.
The entrepreneur, who recently starred in reality TV show I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!, tried to keep this information private, commencing a legal dispute with the Associated Newspapers, which wanted to reveal the news.
Earlier this week, the judge ruled in favour of the Associated Newspapers on the grounds of public interest.
He said: “There is a public interest in making it clear that if someone does provide false evidence to a court, with a view to misleading the court for their own financial gain, or for the financial gain of an associate, then it will do them no good to admit that fact without fear or any repercussions.”
The Dragon’s Den star and his ex-wife were involved in a difficult divorce that lasted three years before it was finalised in 2013, with their main dispute regarding money matters. A self-made millionaire, he has business interests in hotels, health clubs, property, spas, media, transport and TV and was worth £430 million in 2011, according to the Sunday Times Rich List.
This is Mr Bannatyne’s second divorce, having formerly married his first wife Gail and having four children with her. He also has two offspring with Joanne.