Barreras’ insolvency was described as a mere coincidence and not something to accuse or blame anyone for. The ruling came from Pontevedra Commercial Court No. 3, which closed the matter with a definitive decision issued yesterday. This concerned the bankruptcy proceedings and the subsequent auction tied to Spain’s largest private shipyard.
The bankruptcy administration and the prosecution had already staked their position that the contest appeared to be a coincidence. The initial report noted that Douglas Prothero found no fault in the actions of the shipyard managers he oversaw, pointing to possible concealment or disappearance of assets and rights that might delay, hinder, or block the enforcement of any embargo.
Judge Amelia María Pérez Mosteiro therefore ordered the case file closed and indicated there would be no recourse against the entity’s assets.
It should be noted that there was no evidence of fraud or gross negligence in the conduct of those involved, according to the bankruptcy administration led by Tahice Legal. The report highlighted that changes in the Ritz-Carlton’s ship fleet, intended to keep it active in the case of bankruptcy, did not constitute a legitimate basis for shifting responsibility away from the defendants.
The claims raised by the legal representatives of roughly thirty UGT workers did not prevail. They had argued that Evrima, the ship associated with Douglas A. Prothero, should be treated with priority. In the same context—the defense of the team affected by a deflated ERE—judges decided that the ship would be sent to a shipyard in Santander. The vessel left under the pretext of painting, yet it did not return to its workshop. Additionally, warehouse stocks were transported to Santander, and no corresponding payment was made. Nevertheless, the judges found no evidence of asset concealment. Source: Pontevedra Commercial Court No. 3