Ex-Stobart boss labelled ‘no pussycat’ in court spat

Former Stobart Group boss Andrew Tinkler has been dubbed “no pussycat” in a High Court showdown with his former employer.

The logistics firm’s current chief executive Warwick Brady was giving evidence over a boardroom brawl at the FTSE 250 firm.

Stobart is suing former boss and 7% shareholder Tinkler, accusing him of conspiring to harm the firm. Tinkler denies wrongdoing and has counterclaimed, saying his dismissal and the result of a controversial AGM vote were invalid.

A row broke out in May between Tinkler and management. Tinkler, who has since been sacked, had wanted to replace chair Iain Ferguson with retail tycoon Philip Day because of a strategy dispute.

The court heard the events leading up the quarrel. Yesterday, Brady said there was never an issue about Tinkler contributing to the business. But he added: “It is what happens if you didn’t agree with Andrew that was the problem”.

Brady said Tinkler had a “history of litigation. So he’s not a pussycat; right?”

Tinkler is expected to speak next week at the trial, which today entered its fifth day.