Billionaire John Magnier has been accused of “weaponising” the exchange of documents, ahead of a full court hearing over his failed purchase of the multi-million-euro Barnes Estate in Tipperary, writes Helen Bruce.
Mr Magnier, the Coolmore stud owner, launched legal action against the managers of the estate last year, claiming that he had shaken hands on a deal to buy the 750-acre property for €15m, only to find it was later promised for sale to construction magnate Maurice Regan for more than €20m.
The sale has been put on hold pending the outcome of his case, which will be heard in full early next year.
Yesterday, Judge Michael Twomey heard applications from both sides regarding certain documents and phone messages which it was alleged had not yet been shared.
Martin Hayden, senior counsel for the defendants – who include manager Richard Thomson-Moore, Barne Estate Limitedand its shareholders IQ EQ One …