A supermarket operator who learned from a middle-of-the-night tip-off his main supplier was about to “do a clear-out” of his store in a dispute over a debt was entitled to proper written notice of the move, a High Court judge has ruled.

Ray Dolan had established ADM Londis plc was in breach of contract when it failed to give him written notice it was about to recover stock supplied in 2008 to his since closed Black Bull Londis franchise store in Drogheda, Co Louth, Mr Justice Gerard Hogan said.

A separate hearing will be held on whether such a breach led to losses for Mr Dolan, of Avondale Crescent, Arklow, Wicklow, and his now dissolved company Ranzett Ltd.

ADM Londis had sought judgment for around €561,000 against Mr Dolan and his company, and against his wife Annaliese McConnell, who executed personal guarantees.