Greek trial delayed until connected proceedings in Bradford are heard

The CoVID19 crisis that has afflicted the criminal and civil justice systems in England and Wales appears to have extended to the paradise Greek island of Crete.

An appeal against a judgment that was handed down as long ago as April, 2013 was adjourned at a short hearing on 22nd September, 2020. It is now listed for 1st February, 2022, a delay of over 17 months.

Full details of the background to the claim can be found elsewhere on this website at this link.

The appellant is Ralph Christie, a Leeds-born resident on the island who turned his hand to property construction and development. From 2002 he grew his business from a very modest beginning to being on the cusp of having his company listed on the Stock Exchange, before a spectacular and catastrophic falling out with one of his former business partners.

The adjournment followed an application by Nikolaos Giakoumakis, the lawyer representing the respondent, Bradford businessman Stephen Thomas. He argued that this appeal should not be heard until the conclusion of another trial involving his client. This is a Family Court matter where Thomas is involved in an acrimonious dispute with his ex-wife, Jane. The genesis of that action dates back to events in 2006. Its disposal, it is said, will have a direct bearing on the Greek case.

After hearing from George Komisopolis, representing the appellant, the court upheld the defence application to adjourn.

Ralph Christie said outside the court: “The delay is, of course, very disappointing but matters that will emerge in court at Bradford about Mr Thomas, and his financial dealings here in Crete, can only be to my advantage. At this stage, it would not be sensible to go beyond that”.

Page last updated: Wednesday 22nd September, 2020 at 0700 hours

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