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Alleged romance breakdown led Italian company to seek €585k jewel injunction, High Court hears

Summary

The High Court heard that World Diamond Group SPA (WDG) sought an injunction against Shuwan Li, trading as Empress Fine Jewels, alleging her refusal to return a consignment of goods worth €585,000. WDG, represented by Barney Quirke SC, claimed the commercial relationship broke down after the defendants allegedly owed large sums for supplied goods. The plaintiff's CEO, Castrenze Giuliano, accepted an intimate relationship with Ms. Li existed but maintained the proceedings were strictly commercial, not related to the relationship's end. Ms. Li, represented by Peter Shanley BL, strongly rejected wrongdoing, arguing the action was motivated by the end of a four-year romantic relationship and that the injunction would prejudice her business, as the goods constitute 40% of her stock. WDG also sought an order for 77 items of jewellery to be held by an independent stakeholder, alleging threats during a store inspection. Mr Justice David Nolan refused both applications to vacate the injunction or order the stakeholder arrangement, citing insufficient financial information from the defendants and concerns over the inspection allegations. He determined the existing temporary injunction sufficiently protected WDG's position, noting any breach would constitute contempt. The judge emphasized he was not making a final determination on the complex dispute. The matter was adjourned to a date in April.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Alleged romance breakdown led Italian company to seek €585k jewel injunction, High Court hears. Charges or matters: refusal to return consignment of goods worth €585,000. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2024-03-21 Publication

Why: It is claimed the real reason for WDG bringing the action is because late last year, the plaintiff's CEO Mr Castrenze Giuliano ended a four-year romantic intimate relationship between them. CNI source report

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Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report