Investment chief ‘hit tycoon over insult’

An investment company chief repeatedly hit a property tycoon in the face after claiming he was called “a lying shyster Jew” at an exclusive Mayfair bar, a court heard.

Simon Lyons, 37, the chief executive of Enstar Capital, allegedly lunged at Giles Mackay, 56, by the dance floor at the members-only club before he was pulled away by doormen. The Canadian-born entrepreneur denies common assault, insisting at City of London magistrates’ court he acted in self-defence when he slapped Mr Mackay once. The trial continues.