Casino chief stays quiet on writ

Kenneth Thompson, the former acting chief executive of casinos operator Capital Corporation, who is being sued by the company for "conspiracy to injure" the group, has been advised by his lawyers not to hold a press conference this week to present further details of his case.

Mr Thompson's legal representatives declined to comment further on the writ, which was issued against Mr Thompson and two other former employees on Tuesday beyond saying they would "resist the charges vigorously".

Capital Corporation said Mr Thompson and the other two employees cited in the writ would be making a "serious mistake" if they made any further allegations. Mr Thompson, Des Pereira, the former company secretary, and Guy Hutchinson, the former head of purchasing for the food and beverage operations, are accused in the writ of bringing the company into disrepute and spreading damaging allegations about the business to the press.

The three men have seven days to receive the posted writ and a further 14 to acknowledge it. Capital Corporation can then file a detailed statement of claim. Mr Pereira, Mr Thompson and Mr Hutchinson then have 14 days to offer their defence though it is likely their lawyers will ask for more time.

It is understood Mr Thompson has already incurred substantial legal fees relating to his time as a director of the company. Capital is seeking damages, the return of all confidential information and an injunction preventing further disclosures. It claims that "the selective use" of papers in the press has created "a false and misleading" impression as to the true value of the business.