Airport investor's 'cruel' past revealed

PUBLIC Services minister Bill Bell has dismissed as irrelevant the colourful background of the man proposing to invest £10m. in Alderney Airport. Just weeks before the surprise proposal was announced, a UK High Court judge ordered an injunction on Terry Holding.

Mr Justice Eady said that for up to five years, Mr Holding used his wealth 'in a cruel and cynical way' against a former Castle Point Council mayor, Jenifer Howlett, after she spoke out against a planning application made by his company.

For more than four years, Mr Holding trailed abusive banners from behind an aircraft over Castle Point, Essex, in revenge. The injunction prevents him from doing that and from dropping any leaflets referring to Mrs Howlett and forbids him from having her placed under surveillance.

The 72-year-old owns HBC, the UK's second largest salvage company, on Charfleets Industrial Estate, Canvey Island.

He has appeared in court several times accused of flying libellous banners about two former mayors, Mrs Howlett and Charles Smith, and Labour councillor George Wilson.

Approached by a reporter on behalf of the Guernsey Press, Mr Holding said he would not speak to the media if the interview was going to concentrate on his private business.

Deputy Bell said the department was totally aware of Mr Holding's background.

'But it has no relevance to what the proposal is. Are you suggesting we discontinue any consideration because of that?', he said.

'We know his background, as a successful businessman, in relation to the planning applications that he made, so we're aware of all the circumstances. But we have a proposal from him to invest in Alderney Airport to the benefit of the community and we believe that's worthy of further consideration.'

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He questioned what Mr Holding's court appearances had to do with the proposal.

'When he approached us, you do your homework to find out the standing of a person. We wanted to satisfy ourselves of his standing, that he was a businessman of considerable ability.

'When we met him, these matters were discussed fully. He was very open and he's hidden nothing as far as I'm aware.'

Deputy Bell added that it was still early days in the process and the department had to enter negotiations with HBC and Alderney.

'We will seek to ensure the necessary safeguards are part of that agreement and all possible circumstances are investigated.'

Mr Holding openly admitted in court that his aim had been to make Mrs Howlett's life a 'living hell'.

As well as flying banners, he dropped thousands of leaflets which referred to Mrs Howlett as an 'old trout' and alleging: 'Jenifer Howlett is not a fit person to be a Castle Point councillor.

'She was apprehended for shoplifting and subsequently barred for life from all Tesco stores.'

On others he put: 'Tell us about the tax evasion, Howlett.'

'None of it was true, but I was devastated and shamed,' said Mrs Howlett after the case was settled.

'I never had a peaceful moment, not knowing what he would do next, or when.'

She would not comment further yesterday.