- Sir Frederick Barclay Avoids Further Punishment in Legal Dispute
- Judge Confirms £100 Million Debt Owed to Ex-Wife in Longstanding Dispute
- Settlement Pending for £100 Million Payment Following Withdrawn Offer
The former owner of the Telegraph has been embroiled in a protracted legal dispute with his ex-wife after being ordered to pay her £100 million following the dissolution of their 34-year marriage. A magistrate from the High Court stated that he still owes her the amount, but that he would not punish the businessman further.
A judge acquitted Sir Frederick Barclay of breaking High Court rulings over his ex-wife’s money.
Following the end of their 34-year marriage, the 88-year-old has been embroiled in a protracted legal dispute with Hiroko Barclay.
Sir Jonathan Cohen, the judge overseeing the dispute, ordered Sir Frederick to grant Lady Barclay, also in her 80s, lump sums totaling £100 million in May 2021.
The next year, he held Sir Frederick in contempt for not paying his ex-wife £245,000 in legal bills and maintenance.
Sir Frederick has since paid the sum of £245,000.
Thursday, the judge announced that he would not issue any additional punishment orders.
Nonetheless, he stated that Sir Frederick owes his erstwhile partner £100 million.
Sir Jonathan was informed that a settlement regarding the £100 million payment was forthcoming.
About this settlement, the judge had been given a figure of approximately £10 million. But he stated on Thursday that a lender providing the settlement had withdrawn.
Sir Frederick was not found in contempt for failing to pay the £100m total, or a first installment of £50m. The judge found that Lady Barclay had failed to show that Sir Frederick could afford either amount.
However, it was determined that Sir Frederick was in contempt for not having previously paid the money he owed for legal fees and maintenance, as the judge had determined that he had the means to pay these smaller amounts.
Sir Frederick, whose commercial interests included the Telegraph Media Group and the Ritz hotel in London, was, along with his twin brother Sir David Barclay, one of the most prominent businessmen in the United Kingdom.
Sir David passed away in January 2021 at age 86.
