2023-03-20 · Kilkenny
Entertainer John Bishop terminated all staff contracts at Irish firm while at Glastonbury, shareholder claims
In a High Court case, a shareholder of Hears Technology Limited alleges that entertainer John Bishop terminated all staff contracts on 24 June while attending Glastonbury, and ended the company's lease in County Kilkenny, actions Bishop denies. Bishop's solicitor says employment law was followed and redundancies were forced by BAK Holdings Limited's attempts to scuttle the firm. BAK claims Bishop's conduct is oppressive, seeking a declaration and compensation or purchase of BAK's 42.5 % shareholding. Hears, which also claims BAK and director Brendan Morrissey defrauded it of about €1 million, has denied the fraud allegations. The dispute involves two sets of proceedings before the High Court, one for oppression and one for alleged fraud, with the judge adjourned the matter for a month to allow a stay application. The case remains pending.