Stokes brothers accused of exaggerating income loss

Two brothers, banned from acting as directors of companies, have been accused of exaggerating their loss of income after they were sacked from a VIP members club they founded in Dublin.

Twins Simon and Christian Stokes were hired to work at Residence on St Stephen’s Green after their company, which set up the club, was placed in receivership.

The Stokes claim they were unfairly dismissed by Brian Long and Olivia Gaynor just six weeks after their company, Molana, took over ownership of Residence in July 2010.

However, Paul Fogarty. for Molana, claimed yesterday the brothers had earned more money since their contract was terminated in Sept 2010 than if they had stayed working at Residence.

Both men now work in their father’s restaurant, Il Segreto, where they each earn €2,500 per month. However, Mr Fogarty pointed out neither brother included bonuses worth around €13,000.

The Employment Appeals Tribunal heard there was a dispute between the parties as to whether the Stokes were engaged to work Residence as employees or consultants, which has implications for their ability to be awarded compensation by the EAT.

The High Court banned the pair from acting as company directors for four years last January. It had previously heard how they spent €146,000 of the company’s money on paying personal fees, while owing more than €470,000 to Revenue.