£48m divorce case could go abroad

John Charman claims a bigger role in amassing a £131m fortune

The man who faces a £48m divorce bill after a lengthy battle with his former wife could take the case to a court in Bermuda, where he now lives.

A spokesperson for 54-year-old John Charman said he was now "considering his options" after being told he cannot appeal to the House of Lords.

The payout to his ex-wife Beverley, 53, and from Sevenoaks in Kent, was upheld by the Court of Appeal in May.

Now three Law Lords have ruled that there can be no further appeal.

Mr Charman's representative said: "It was deemed to be not in the public interest that the matter be debated further.

"He is now considering his options and there may be proceedings in the Bermuda court."

The millionaire head of the Axis group has been fighting to get the £48m award reduced to his original offer of £20m, a sum he said reflected Mrs Charman's role as "a housewife".

She has argued that the amount "fairly" recognised her contribution to their 28-year marriage.