Lie detector row at Debs

A ROW between Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley and Debenhams broke out last night over the use of lie detector tests.

The fresh attack came as Ashley, 54, mulled an eleventh hour offer that would allow him to take full control of Debenhams and install himself as chief executive.

In a bizarre development, Ashley demanded that Debenhams chairman Terry Duddy and non-executive director David Adams take a lie detector test.

The tycoon made the challenge after commissioning his own lie detector test to prove he was telling the truth about the details of a meeting with the retailer’s board members.

A Sports Direct spokesman said: ‘The fact that they can so openly lie in their recollection of joint meetings with Sports Direct is beyond the pale.’

Ashley has until close of business today to make an offer for Debenhams. He is understood to be considering a formal takeover of the retailer or underwriting a £150m rights issue.