A COURT case set to be the longest running in Jersey history has had to be adjourned for three weeks.

Legal proceedings in connection to the case of the Saudi Arabian Alhamrani family against JP Morgan Trust Company Jersey Ltd and others have been ongoing in Jersey since 2003 and the civil trial began on 17 November 2008. However, a request for an adjournment has been granted following problems with proceedings.

The Royal Court dispute is taking place at Hotel Cristina because of the volume of legal documents, mainly in Arabic, and the large number of lawyers involved. The core of the family disagreement centres around two Jersey trusts set up in 1998 as settlements for some of the substantial assets bequeathed to nine children by Sheikh Ali Mohamed Alhamrani, who died in 1976. The main action has been brought by Sheikh Mohamed and four of his brothers, against another brother, Sheikh Abdullah, and Jersey trustees JP Morgan Trust Company Jersey Ltd and Russia Management Ltd. A second action has been brought by two sisters, Lady Noura and Lady Adawiya, against Sheikh Abdullah and JP Morgan Trust.

Both the actions allege breach of trust, with claims for alleged financial loss of up to $US120 million. All the allegations are denied. The case will now recommence in mid-March and the first stage of the remaining legal proceedings is expected to continue through to the early autumn.

Pictured: The case is being heard at the Hotel Cristina on Mont Felard