Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Judge’s fury at Ant after he snubs court date
Judge’s blast at I’m a Celeb star over his snub of divorce hearing
A JUDGE yesterday tore into Ant Mcpartlin after he failed to show up to court for a hearing in his divorce battle with wife Lisa Armstrong.
Mr Justice Mostyn was furious the troubled TV star, who is now dating his former PA Anne-marie Corbett, was absent without any advanced warning and only represented by his legal team.
The judge asked Ant’s barrister Jonathan Southgate QC: “Why is he not here? There isn’t one law for the famous and one for the rest of the community.
“The rules say he was supposed to be here. He has been told off.”
A spokesman later claimed Ant did not know he had to attend the preliminary hearing in person. He said: “Ant was advised by his media barrister that he didn’t need to attend court today. “There was no intent to disrespect the court.” Ant was later seen in Wimbledon, South West London, with dog Hurley. Lisa attended the hearing at the Family Division of the High Court in London. It was staged in private and Mr Justice Mostyn placed limits on what could be reported but said journalists could name Ant and his estranged wife in reports. He allowed his criticism over the TV presenter’s snub to be reported. And the judge said he might have excused the no-show if Ant had contacted him with a reason.
Mr Justice Mostyn ruled detail relating to the couple’s confidential financial information would not be permitted, nor could Ant’s address be published.
Further hearings are expected to take place in the coming weeks.
The Mirror reported last week that Ant is keen to reach a settlement and “move on” as soon as possible.
Ant is willing to hand over half of everything he has earned during their marriage, thought to be up to £60million meaning Lisa could get £30million. Lisa found him “intolerable to live with”, which was cited in their decree nisi.
Ant admitted adultery. But friends insist it was only to speed up the process, and his relationship with Anne-marie began after the split from Lisa.
It is believed they became close when he was booked into rehab and she went to see to make sure that he had everything he needed.
One of the few sticking points around Ant and Lisa’s divorce remains their beloved Hurley. The pair currently share custody of the chocolate Labrador.
Ant has taken a break for TV while he sorts out his issues.
His I’m A Celebrity co-host Declan Donnelly will present the jungle show later this month with Holly Willoughby.
Dec was seen out in London yesterday as he prepared to head to Australia.
There isn’t one law for the famous and one for the rest... He has been told off MR JUSTICE MOSTYN JUDGE IN DIVORCE COURT YESTERDAY