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Newspaper tycoon tells business associate 'I will be your worst f***ing enemy'
Paul Cheston, Courts Correspondent20.07.09
Newspaper boss Richard Desmond threatened a business associate by saying: “I am the worst f***ing enemy you will ever have,” the High Court heard today.
Mr Desmond had earlier told the jury that he had not held a grudge against Jafar Omid, who was managing director of investment company Pentagon.
The voice of the owner of Express Newspapers echoed round the courtroom on a taped phone call during the libel trial in which Mr Desmond is suing investigative reporter Tom Bower.
The court heard that Pentagon held a £50,000 investment, which had increased in value to £75,000 — made by Mr Desmond on behalf of his son Robert.
In May last year Pentagon had to suspend dealings pending an official inquiry and all its investments were frozen.
Mr Omid explained that the return of any investments would be illegal at that time and Mr Desmond's son had agreed, saying he “was in no hurry for the money”, the court heard.
But Mr Desmond wanted the money paid out immediately. The phone call in July last year was taped by Mr Omid and played to the jury today. Mr Omid can be heard trying to explain the background of the situation to Mr Desmond. But Mr Desmond interrupts, saying: “I understand, I think I understand everything but it is on my f***ing mind and it is 75 grand.
“Write a cheque out, we'll sign it over to you and that's it, that's a wrap up of our business.”
Mr Omid tries to explain that “this is not how it works.” But Mr Desmond snaps: “Please, please Jafar don't go on because you are going to aggravate me. So, look, just send me a cheque back, all right, or we are not going to be friends. In fact we are going to be enemies.”
He went on: “You know what a good friend I am Jafar, don't you? Let me tell you mate, let me tell you something. As good a f***ing friend as I am, I am the worst f***ing enemy you'll ever have.
“Please get a cheque round, thank you very much.” Mr Desmond then slams the phone down. Days after the phone call the Sunday Express ran an article headlined: “David Cameron's friend and £1 billion he won't give back.” Mr Omid sued for libel and Mr Desmond made a High Court apology for the story.
Martin Townsend, editor of the Sunday Express, told the jury the article had not been ordered by Mr Desmond, although he (the editor) had heard his proprietor complaining about the Pentagon situation. Mr Desmond is suing Mr Bower, author of the book Conrad And Lady Black: Dancing On The Edge.
Mr Desmond says he was defamed by allegations that he had ordered his papers to run stories against his business enemies, including Lord Black. The case continues.
