Case centring on contested signage at Lisburn Road site dates back to 2017
Businessman Tom Smyth is being brought to court accused of illegally displaying an advert for his Dream Apartments business — on one of his own buildings.
The 50-year-old is alleged to have erected the sign between the first and second floor of St Thomas Hall on the Lisburn Road in south Belfast.
According to court documents the case dates back to at least August 30, 2017 and relates to an alleged breach of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Act 2011.
The case is due to be mentioned at Belfast Departmental Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Dream Apartments, based in the Obel Tower in the city, describes the St Thomas Hall site as an “iconic location”.
“All 17 individually decorated serviced apartments feature spacious living and dining areas equipped with 42-inch LCD TVs with digital channels and DVD players. Our guests can also stay connected with free wi-fi,” according to its website.
“Some bathrooms in our serviced apartments also offer deep soaking tubs and are equipped with hair dryers and complimentary toiletries.”
In addition to his UK-wide serviced apartments business, the entrepreneur is also a motivational speaker with his own self-help book, Fear Less.
He also hosts events on how to “10x your business and personal life” with tickets going for £20 a time.
The advert for the next event at Belfast’s exclusive Merchant Hotel states: “If you are serious about growth and taking your life to the next level, this event is not to be missed.
“It’s time to invest in you and 10x every element of your life.”
But while he is keen to share the secrets of his success, he is also no stranger to controversy and appearances in the press.
In 2012 the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) secured an order from the High Court in Belfast forcing him to hand over 19 of his houses.
Mr Justice Treacy said that Mr Smyth’s property portfolio, including his then home in Ballynure and 18 buy-to-let properties in Co Antrim and in Liverpool, had been acquired through the proceeds of crime.
In a civil recovery application, SOCA said Mr Smyth had obtained his vast portfolio through a combination of mortgage fraud, tax evasion and money laundering.
Between 2000 and 2007, the investigation by SOCA found Mr Smyth had made numerous fraudulent mortgage applications to receive nearly £2m in property loans.
Speaking to Sunday Life previously, Mr Smyth said of the case: “I have massively moved on over the last 10 years and I’m now very proud to be a global entrepreneur.
“I am truly blessed that my companies have survived the pandemic and I totally believe there’s an incredible boom of prosperity coming which everyone should welcome with open arms and positivity.”
“I’m doing positive work, doing incredible charity work, paying people’s wages and expanding the business,” he added. “I love my wife and kids, I haven’t had a drink in six years and life just keeps getting better.
“If someone wants to genuinely take a punch at me I can’t stop it either.”
by jshaw14
9 comments
Fraudsters defraud
Massive action
Fraudsters fraud
Bit much for an illegal sign. Almost like it’s an excuse to air his dirty laundry in public again.
Smyth gonna Smyth
But would it not be right to say he has become successful as a result of crime? So, him trying to be humble doesn’t make sense? I’m all for not giving money to the man, but historically, he has exploited a lot of people, stepping on their necks to get where he is. There’s nothing humble about that. I would be more proud to see him show remorse and build something legitimate from the ground up.
“Global entrepreneur” what an absolute piss stain
>Businessman Tom Smyth is being brought to court accused of illegally displaying an advert for his Dream Apartments business — on one of his own buildings.
The 50-year-old is alleged to have erected the sign between the first and second floor of St Thomas Hall on the Lisburn Road in south Belfast.
Massive erection
Ok read through the comments and was surprised to see nobody had said it yet so here it is………. ” Winners win Kid”