Legal battle engulfs farming family amid Scientology claim

A High Court legal battle has ensnared a farming family, initiated after a family member asserted that his Scientology belief had “motivated… negativity” directed at him. Specifics of this contention, which involves partners within RG Abrey Farms, operating in Norfolk and Suffolk, were presented in a judge’s preliminary decision. Thomas Abrey alleges he has been “progressively excluded” from the “partnership business” and has initiated legal action against two uncles and two cousins. Richard, Robert, Giles, and Matthew Abrey contest the allegations brought forth. Deputy High Court Judge Nicola Rushton issued an injunction to prevent Richard, Robert, Giles, and Matthew Abrey from “impeding” Thomas Abrey’s involvement in the “business of the partnership” until the dispute is resolved. “The claimant’s claim is for wrongful exclusion and/or purported exclusion from the partnership business in breach of his rights as a partner,” the judge stated in her ruling, which is accessible online. “The dispute concerns a third-generation family farming partnership… which operates a business on 6,500 acres in Norfolk and Suffolk.” The judge noted that the enterprise, situated at Wretham near Thetford, was founded by Russell Abrey during the 1930s. Its current partners include his three sons, Christopher, Richard, and Robert Abrey, along with their three sons, Thomas, Giles, and Matthew Abrey. “Thomas’s claim, in which he is supported by his father Christopher… is accordingly made against his two uncles and his two cousins,” the judge explained. “He claims that his authority has been undermined by Robert and Giles, by criticism of him in front of employees, and that information about the business has been withheld from him. ” “He also claims that his belief in Scientology has motivated the negativity of the other partners against him.” Judge Rushton, who presided over a preliminary hearing at The Rolls Building in central London, mentioned that Thomas Abrey’s uncles and cousins had lodged counter-complaints. “Giles says… Thomas is extremely difficult to work with and has been the subject of a large number of complaints from employees about his behaviour, which is said to be overbearing and potentially bullying,” she stated. “Giles says Thomas’s behaviour is causing serious day-to-day issues in running the business and is causing a toxic working environment.” The judge noted that Thomas Abrey contested the accusations of “misconduct towards employees.” She further detailed that the business focused on extensive crop production, encompassing potatoes, onions, and carrots, employed approximately 90 individuals, and was deemed “successful.” She also stated: “The partnership has assets which I am told have a value in the region of £80m, with annual turnover in the most recent full financial year of £25m and profits of around £7.5m, despite the dispute outlined in this judgment.” A date for a conclusive court hearing has not yet been established.