A judge has ruled against a judicial review in the recent purchase of controversial casino ship

Niobe Corinthian.

Businessman Neil Inchcup and his assistant Cheryl Simmons have been told they have the option of taking private action over the sale of the vessel at auction last month.

The pair had launched legal proceedings requesting a judicial review into the decision of the Attorney General, Provost Marshall and Registrar to accept the purchase of the ship by the wife of Chris Trott, who had been a silent player in the

Niobe Corinthian.

Puisne Judge Ian Kawaley has now said in a ruling: “I refuse leave on the grounds that the impugned decision is not arguably amenable for judicial review and alternatively the applicants have alternate, more suitable, private law remedies against the business partner with whom they appear to have fallen out.”

Previously, the vessel was owned by the William Trust, of which Mr Inchcup is a beneficiary, and the Sirkus Trust, of which Mr Trott is a beneficiary. Mr Inchcup has been the public face of the vessel in recent years, with Mr Trott’s identity kept under wraps.

But it was auctioned last month following an order from Chief Justice Richard Ground, to raise cash to pay three crew members owed a combined $40,000 in wages.

At auction, it was bought by Mr Trott’s wife, Andrea Dismont-Trott, who bid $65,000 on behalf of a company called Jenga Management.

The vessel, which has endured a chequered history because of claims it flouts Bermuda’s gambling laws, has been tethered at a dock in St David’s for several years.

A Supreme Court hearing to determine how the cash from the sale of the ship will be divided up is due to take place tomorrow.