Goodman to apply for injunction against Phelan

Lawyers for Mr Larry Goodman will apply to the High Court next week for an interlocutory injunction to restrain Master Meat Packers founder Mr Paschal Phelan from making contact with or attempting to intimidate a witness or witnesses in the proceedings involving the two men and others.

The motion seeking the injunction does not name any witnesses and no details of the application have so far been given to the court. The motion is grounded on an affidavit sworn by Mr Joseph Halpin, former financial controller of Master Meat Packers.

Yesterday, Mr Justice Murphy was told by Mr Brian O'Moore SC, for Mr Phelan, that both sides had agreed a schedule for the motion. He said the hearing of the motion could involve cross-examination of Mr Halpin and Mr Phelan.

Mr O'Moore also said it would assist matters if the status of Mr Zacharia el Taher (Mr Phelan's former partner in Master Meat Packers) and his son Nasser were determined once and for all and it was his intention to bring a motion against the Tahers. The judge fixed Tuesday next for the hearing of the injunction application. He was told there would be a replying affidavit from Mr Phelan. As a result of Mr Goodman's motion, the hearing of actions involving Mr Phelan, Mr Goodman, Mr Zacharia el Taher and others was adjourned on consent of all sides yesterday to allow for preparation of legal documents.

The motion has interrupted the legal actions in which Mr Phelan is seeking multimillion pound damages arising from an alleged conspiracy between Mr Goodman, Mr Taher and others to force him out of the group. Mr Goodman and Mr Taher deny allegations of wrongdoing. Mr Goodman has alleged wrongdoing on Mr Phelan's part. Mr Taher has also made claims against Mr Goodman.