Cable company Hardell has suffered a setback in its bid to show that Government and Bermuda Airport Advertising, headed by Walton Brown, had conspired to interfere with its business interests.

Puisne Judge John Riihiluoma struck out Hardell's claims in a ruling last month.

Hardell had claimed that it had a contract with the Government to provide closed circuit television at the airport, had started operations there but was forced to stop when the Government tried to renegotiate the contract.

Later Mr. Brown's company was granted a licence to display advertising at the airport.

Hardell went to court to seek damages for breach of its agreement with Government and a declaration that it did in fact have a valid contract.

The company was also seeking damages against the Government for wrongful interference with its closed circuit television equipment.

But in his ruling dated October 12, Mr. Justice Riihiluoma found that no binding contract existed between Hardell and Government.

"Having found that there is no binding contract between Hardell and the Minister of Transport on the terms of the Licence Agreement, the claims of procurement of breach of contract and conspiracy to injure Hardell's economic interest fall away," the ruling said.

"I also strike out Hardell's Statement of Claim in respect of its claim against BAA for procuring a breach of the licence agreement and unlawfully interfering with Hardell's economic interests."

Hardell's conspiracy claims against the Ministers of Transport and Telecommunications were also struck out by the judge's ruling.

"This is a matter that should never have gone before the courts," said Mr. Brown yesterday. "I am very pleased with the judge's decision."

Hardell spokesman Corey Butterfield could not be reached for comment by press-time last night.