Polites family triumphs in $3 million, 20-year court battle

·

A man who claimed the prominent Polites family owed him $3 million in compensation for “fraud, perjury and false and misleading statements” has been declared a vexatious litigant by South Australia’s Supreme Court, The Advertiser reports.

Douglas Charles Russell is now prohibited from instituting proceedings in any SA court against Polites Investments, or any related company or person, without the Supreme Court’s approval.

This decision by Justice Sophie David marks the end of a 20-year court saga for the Polites family.

Polites Investments.

Mr Russell first took the former family patriarch, Con Polites, to court back in August 20, 2000, to stop his eviction from a business premises at 254 Hindley Street. These court proceedings were later retracted.

Since then, Mr Russell has launched numerous proceedings against the family, including an action in 2003 alleging he’d slipped on the stairs at the premises three times, injuring his back on each occasion.

Following yet another attempt by Mr Russell to bring an action against Polites in 2020, the company applied to have Mr Russell declared a vexatious litigant.

Polites family triumphs in $3 million, 20-year court battle.

During the court case, Justice David said the “parties’ litigious relationship” demonstrates that “Mr Russell has sought to agitate and re-agitate substantially the same issues in numerous forums before multiple judicial officers.’’

In response, Justice David has made orders restraining Mr Russell from instituting any further proceedings against Polites without the consent of the court, and also ordered he pay Polites’ costs.

Source: The Advertiser.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

Derelict home in Sydney’s inner west sells for $1.3 million

A derelict home in Marrickville in Sydney's inner west has shocked buyers by selling at auction for more than $1.3 million

South Melbourne FC extends winning streak with victory over Manningham United

South Melbourne FC triumph over Manningham United, as they maintain five-point lead in the league standings

Greeks become ‘Mediterranean Feud’ champions after crushing USYD Italian and Lebanese societies

The Sydney University Greek Society won a battle between Mediterranean Sydney University clubs after becoming victors in the 'Mediterranean Feud' on Wednesday night. The...