The judge was asked whether the millionaire businessman who founded Screwfix, should pay more to his ex-wife.
At a hearing at the Family Division, the High Court of London’s High Court in London, Mr Justice Cohen examines the most recent round in a long-running dispute between James Goddard Watts and his former wife Julia.
A private trial is being managed by the judge, who has set limits as to what may be reported.
Judges heard that Mrs. GoddardWatts and Mr. Goddard-Watts both are in their 50s. This was after their 13 year marriage.
Mr Goddard-Watts agreed Mrs Goddard-Watts should get a house worth £3.25 million and a £4 million lump sum.
She complained that Mr Goddard Watts hadn’t disclosed the true extent of his wealth.
A judge then concluded Mr Goddard-Watts had ‘given a false presentation’ when making the 2010 agreement, and in 2016 the businessman was told to hand Mrs Goddard-Watts more than £6 million.
James Goddard Watts and Julia, his 13 year-long marriage ended six years ago. However, it is now claimed that Mr Goddard Watts didn’t reveal all of his wealth.
A second High Court judge had examined the case and approved a review in 2015.
Justice Moor criticised Mr GoddardWatts for moving to Switzerland in 2010 after he had fired him.
According to him, the businessman was evasive at times and misleading and had made a false representation when he signed the 2010 agreement.
Goddard and wife, Mrs. Goddard, enjoyed lavish living while he was married.
Goddard and wife, Mrs. Goddard Watts, enjoyed lavish living while he was married. Also, Goddard-Watts became an avid racing driver.
He joined the family company, which was founded in 1981 by Jon and Jenny Goddard -Watts. They bought a small business selling screws.
Two more companies were added to Woodscrew Supply Company in the subsequent years.
The company’s reputation as a supplier of quality products grew and they were able to combine the businesses under Screwfix Direct in 1993.
In 1999, the family sold Screwfix to B&Q owner Kingfisher for £60million, and 12 years later they sold the family’s second business Toolstation to Travis Perkins.
Although Travis Perkins originally only bought a 30 per cent stake in the company for £18m in 2008, it later opted to buy out the remaining 70 per cent for a further £24m at the start of 2012.
Ms. Goddard-Watts was back in court on 2018 to file a new complaint.
She stated that Mr GoddardWatts hadn’t provided enough information about the possible value of any deal in which he was involved.
Late 2019 saw her win by a court of law.
Justice Holman explained that, in the event they couldn’t agree on a figure, a judge must reassess all evidence to decide whether Mrs Goddard-Watts needs more money.
According to him, a case in the which a woman twice complained of non-disclosure following a settlement was both ‘vanishingly common’ and ‘probably rare’.