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Gina Rinehart's son accused in court of 'disparaging' sister Gina Rinehart's son accused in court of 'disparaging' sister
(4 months later)
Gina Rinehart's son John Hancock has made "highly disparaging" remarks about his youngest sister that undermine his suitability as proposed trustee of the multibillion-dollar family trust, a Sydney court has heard.Gina Rinehart's son John Hancock has made "highly disparaging" remarks about his youngest sister that undermine his suitability as proposed trustee of the multibillion-dollar family trust, a Sydney court has heard.
The bitter Rinehart family battle returned to the supreme court on Tuesday for a brief pre-trial directions hearing.The bitter Rinehart family battle returned to the supreme court on Tuesday for a brief pre-trial directions hearing.
Hancock and his sister, Bianca Rinehart, are seeking to oust their mining magnate mother as trustee, claiming she acted "deceitfully" and with "gross dishonesty" in her dealings with the trust, set up in 1988 by her father, Lang Hancock, with her children as the beneficiaries.Hancock and his sister, Bianca Rinehart, are seeking to oust their mining magnate mother as trustee, claiming she acted "deceitfully" and with "gross dishonesty" in her dealings with the trust, set up in 1988 by her father, Lang Hancock, with her children as the beneficiaries.
The pair were previously supported by their sister Hope Welker, but she withdrew from the case earlier this year.The pair were previously supported by their sister Hope Welker, but she withdrew from the case earlier this year.
Rinehart is supported by her youngest daughter, Ginia.Rinehart is supported by her youngest daughter, Ginia.
Hancock has been put forward as a proposed alternative trustee, along with Adelaide businessman Bruce Carter.Hancock has been put forward as a proposed alternative trustee, along with Adelaide businessman Bruce Carter.
Richard McHugh, SC, representing Ginia Rinehart, said he was seeking to subpoena certain newspapers for their notebooks in relation to comments Hancock allegedly made about his youngest sister.Richard McHugh, SC, representing Ginia Rinehart, said he was seeking to subpoena certain newspapers for their notebooks in relation to comments Hancock allegedly made about his youngest sister.
"There are things John Hancock has said which are highly disparaging of my client, one of the people for whom he wishes to be appointed trustee," McHugh said."There are things John Hancock has said which are highly disparaging of my client, one of the people for whom he wishes to be appointed trustee," McHugh said.
Hancock had not denied he made the comments, but had "declined to agree he said it”, the court heard.Hancock had not denied he made the comments, but had "declined to agree he said it”, the court heard.
"It goes toward the suitability of John Hancock to be trustee for my client, Ginia Rinehart, when he has manifested a great deal of animus towards her," McHugh said."It goes toward the suitability of John Hancock to be trustee for my client, Ginia Rinehart, when he has manifested a great deal of animus towards her," McHugh said.
Christopher Withers, representing Hancock, told the court Hancock would clarify his position on the matter by the end of the week.Christopher Withers, representing Hancock, told the court Hancock would clarify his position on the matter by the end of the week.
Justice Patricia Bergin made an order for the newspapers, which were not identified, to be subpoenaed if necessary.Justice Patricia Bergin made an order for the newspapers, which were not identified, to be subpoenaed if necessary.
"If it is not needed, well and good," she said."If it is not needed, well and good," she said.
The court heard the subpoenas would not go towards the controversial issue of identifying sources, but would seek to confirm Hancock said what was reported.The court heard the subpoenas would not go towards the controversial issue of identifying sources, but would seek to confirm Hancock said what was reported.
The civil trial is set down for 1 October, with Rinehart expected to appear in person.The civil trial is set down for 1 October, with Rinehart expected to appear in person.
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