Singer's missing boyfriend was heavily in debt

THE missing boyfriend of singer Olivia Newton-John was heavily in debt and embroiled in a legal dispute with his ex-wife over late child support payments, according to US court documents.

Patrick McDermott, 48, filed for bankruptcy in 2000 and was recently dragged to court by his ex-wife, actress Yvette Nipar, over payments for the couple's 13-year-old son, according to the documents.

Mr McDermott, of Los Angeles, failed to return from a June 30 overnight fishing trip off the California coast. He was reported missing a week later by Ms Nipar, who became alarmed when he did not show up for a family event.

The US Coastguard is investigating his disappearance as a missing person case. A spokesperson said investigators were looking into all possibilities, including that Mr McDermott had staged his disappearance.

Mr McDermott's March 2000 bankruptcy filing shows he owed nearly €25,000 to at least 10 creditors. He listed his 1995 Toyota 4Runner as his most valuable property, at €3,660. Mr McDermott, who listed his profession as a lighting gaffer under independent contract, estimated his total combined monthly income at just over €821, with total monthly expenses of nearly €2,860.

He listed unemployment and worker's compensation as sources of gross income.

McDermottHeng €660 a month to Nipar in child support for the couple's son, Chance.

Mr McDermott apparently fell behind on those payments and Ms Nipar took him to court as recently as April, where Mr McDermott was ordered to make all his outstanding payments to Los Angeles County's child services department. The pair had also fought in court over visitation rights for their son, according to the documents.