A Northern Ireland parcel delivery company’s action over alleged wrongful removal of its computers and files during a 1998 dispute over a franchise arrangement with a firm based in the Republic can proceed, a High Court judge has ruled.

Mr Justice Seán Ryan rejected arguments by Athlone-based Interlink Ireland that the action brought against it by Philip Shields and his Co Down-based delivery company Hillgrange Services should be struck out because of delay.

Other claims
Mr Shields and Hillgrange have sued Interlink, trading as Interlink Express, claiming breach of contract, misappropriation of confidential information, defamation and trespass, along with a number of other claims.

Mr Shields was a franchisee for Interlink between 1994 and 1998 agreement whereby he agreed to provide a trucking service for Interlink through a second company of which he is director, Direct Transport Services.