Iranian businessman in divorce fight with estranged Irish wife
A wealthy Iranian businessman is embroiled in a divorce court fight with his estranged Irish wife.
Diplomat's son Mehrdad Radseresht, who is in his 70s, says Barbara Spain-Radseresht, who is in her 40s and used to work in the travel industry, agreed to a divorce when they lived in the Middle East more than seven years ago.
Mrs Spain-Radseresht, who comes from Dublin and now lives in London, disputes his claim and says she is entitled to a fair share of a marital fortune running into tens of millions of pounds.
A High Court judge has been asked to make decisions about the validity of the marriage.
Mr Justice Cohen is analysing evidence at a public hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London.
He said the couple could be named.
Mr Radseresht told Mr Justice Cohen they reached a settlement agreement in Dubai in 2009 after Mrs Spain-Radseresht was unfaithful.
Mrs Spain-Radseresht said she was tricked into signing paperwork.
She said she found out about the "alleged Dubai divorce" a year ago when she made a separate divorce application.
Mr Radseresht is represented by barrister Joe Rainer at the trial, and Mrs Spain-Radseresht is representing herself.
Mr Radseresht, who has worked in the food industry, told the judge: "A divorce was agreed."
He said he had not forced Mrs Spain-Radseresht to do anything and said he still loved her.
"You wanted a divorce and you got one," Mr Radseresht told Mrs Spain-Radseresht, adding: "Now you want money."
Mr Radseresht asked the judge to police Mrs Spain-Radseresht when she asked him questions.
"Please make her refrain from theatrics, from making faces at me," he said.
He said of Mrs Spain-Radseresht: "Any time I would say 'cry' she cries. (She) could cry now if she wanted to. She's professional at that."
He told Mrs Spain-Radseresht: "When you miss a flight and you start crying and we get a flight somehow."
