Hicks cleared for ’Pool claims

Former Liverpool owner Tom Hicks was given the chance yesterday to launch massive damages claims over the sale of the Premier League club after orders barring action in the US were varied by a High Court judge in London.

Hicks wanted Mr Justice Floyd to lift anti-suit orders which prevented him taking action in the Texas courts to halt the deal in which he claims he lost £140 million.

The judge dismissed that application but varied the anti-suit injunction to allow Mr Hicks to make applications in the US in support of any proceedings in this country if he gives seven days notice to the parties he is suing.

Hicks believes he was the victim of an “epic swindle” when the club was sold against his wishes to New England Sports Ventures for £300 million.

Mr Justice Floyd also dismissed an application to strike out or stay claims by Sir Martin Broughton, former chairman of the club, seeking damages against Hicks for his actions while owner.

New England Sports Ventures’ application to be allowed to join the Broughton action was granted by the judge.

NESV bought the club after repaying a £237 million loan Hicks and his former partner George Gillett took out with the Royal Bank of Scotland and Wells Fargo and Co.

Mr Justice Floyd, in his ruling yesterday, said the sale of Liverpool came about because of Hicks and Gillett’s indebtedness.

Of the application to vary the anti-suit order, he said the former owners should be free to be able to make applications in the US courts that would aid proceedings in the UK.