But proceedings there have come to a halt: This morning, attorneys repping Hicks and Gillett here filed a motion for contempt, claiming that this morning's legal doings overseas are a violation of the temporary restraining order granted by Judge Jim Jordan, pending an October 25th hearing. Says the doc, which follows in full:
Within the last few hours, Defendants have made statements to the press in London that they intend to take even further action designed to violate the Court's order. Specifically, Defendants have stated that they intend to initiate new legal filings so that they can obtain a blessing of a foreign court to complete the transaction and to sell Liverpool FC.Among the requests: "Ordering Defendants -- and any of their agents and/or attorneys that were aware of the Court's order -- jailed until they purge themselves of their contempt." Look, nobody's going to jail. Still, you'd best jump, before the judge in the U.K. rules any ... moment ... now ...
In plain and simple turns, Defendants -- and their lawyers -- have deliberately and intentionally decided to ignore the TRO.
Plaintiffs, therefore, ask this court to set a hearing and to order the Defendants to show cause why they should not be held in contempt.
Update at 11:25 p.m.: From the Guardian, which has been running a liveblog:
5.21pm: Judge rules that anti-suit injunction wanted by RBS and other parties (board) against owners action in Texas is granted. "This case has nothing to do with Texas."In other words: Sale on! Calls are in to Hicks's Dallas attorneys.
Update at 12:57 p.m.: Still no word from Hicks's Dallas attorneys. But Liverpool FC has just issued the following statement:
The independent Directors of Liverpool Football Club are delighted with the verdict of Mr Justice Floyd in the High Court this afternoon which now requires Mr Hicks and Mr Gillett to withdraw their Texas restraining order by 4pm tomorrow.
We are glad to have taken another important step towards completing the sale process.
