Tribunal hears about nature of UK property deals

The Moriarty Tribunal has been hearing testimony about the nature of property deals in England linked to former government minister Michael Lowry and businessman Denis O'Brien.

The properties were acquired in Cheadle and Mansfield.

Solicitor Christopher Vaughan, from Northampton, who handled the purchases, told the tribunal today that the properties were bought with a view to selling them on as quickly as possible.

He said he had acted for a man called Kevin Phelan, who had expressed an interest in purchasing Hull City Football Club and Doncaster Rovers Football Club in the late 1990s.

Mr Phelan subsequently introduced Mr Vaughan to Michael Lowry, who purchased property in Mansfield and Cheadle.

Mr Vaughan told the tribunal that Doncaster Rovers FC was purchased by a consortium, but stressed that it did not include Michael Lowry.

The tribunal also heard that relations between Mr Vaughan and Mr Phelan soured when difficulties arose in relation to various business transactions.