Antiques dealer faces legal battle over £1 million company with former intern

An antiques dealer, Christopher Howe, is in a legal dispute with former intern Joanne Brierley, who claims she is entitled to half of his £1 million company. Brierley alleges Howe promised her a 50% stake, which he denies. Brierley began as an intern in 2008 and later helped grow the business. She claims they agreed on a 25% share in a new company, with a later promise of 50%. Howe contends any agreements were conditional and not finalized. A judge ruled in favor of Howe on preliminary issues, dismissing two of Brierley’s claims. However, Brierley continues to pursue her main claim that Howe holds 39% of the shares in trust for her. The case will return to court later.