Barclay twin accuses nephews of bugging Ritz

Wednesday 26 February 2020

One of the Brecqhou-based billionaire Barclay brothers has taken his nephews to court over allegations a Ritz Hotel conservatory was bugged to listen to his private conversations.

The billionaire media mogul Sir Frederick Barclay was allegedly secretly recorded by the three sons of his twin, Sir David.

This was during a quarrel over "the family trust" in a disagreement which "pitched cousin against cousin", a UK High Court heard. 

The matter came before the courts when Sir Frederick and his daughter, Amanda, started legal action alleging misuse of private information and a breach of confidence.

Each of the three sons, and one of their children, were the respondents, alongside a Barclay Group board member. 

Pictured: The Court heard how Sir Frederick used the conservatory to smoke cigars.

Information about the way the recordings were being done only came to light last month when Alistair, one of the three sons, was videoed fiddling with one of the bugs in the conservatory. 

It was argued there was a strong case that there had been illegal activity over a long period of time. 

There was an attempt to put a non-disclosure order on the case, but that was thrown out by the Judge.

The case continues.