Courts / Ireland / Report

Magnier case hears of alleged 'secret' phone

Summary

The High Court heard evidence in John Magnier's lawsuit against Richard Thomson-Moore and Barne Estate regarding the collapse of a purported €15 million sale of the 751-acre property. Mr Magnier seeks to enforce a handshake agreement dated August 22, 2023, while the defendants contend no binding deal existed without trustee consent. During testimony before Mr Justice Max Barrett, Mr Thomson-Moore addressed allegations that a third party offered him a "secret" phone to contact rival bidder Maurice Regan without trace. Mr Thomson-Moore stated he did not personally receive or use the device, noting he was already in contact with Mr Regan on his personal phone after the exclusivity period expired. Counsel for Mr Magnier, Caren Geoghegan SC, read text messages alleging the third party kept Mr Regan updated on the deal and that Mr Thomson-Moore expressed skepticism about the sale's finality. Mr Thomson-Moore acknowledged telling the third party that the deal was "far from done" but denied using tax matters to stall the transaction, citing genuine concerns. The defendants maintain that the trustees initially favored the Magnier bid but later accepted Mr Regan's higher €22.25 million offer. The matter remains ongoing, with the hearing continuing at the High Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Magnier case hears of alleged 'secret' phone. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• August 22, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• August 31 Other
• September 30, 2023 Other
• September 20, 2023 Other
• 2025-07-18 Publication

Why: Mr Thompson-Moore told the court toda that after an exclusivity agreement with the Magnier bid expired, he was in contact with Mr Regan on his personal phone anyway and did not understand the reason for the proffered new phone. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report