Broke ex-billionaire James Stunt locked in a court battle with his father over painting worth millions

BROKE ex-billionaire James Stunt is battling his father in court over who owns a Dutch painting worth millions.

Art and gold bullion dealer Stunt hoped selling the Cheeke Sisters, a 17th century masterpiece by Sir Anthony Van Dyke, could help bail him out.

The ex-husband of F1 heiress Petra Ecclestone was declared bankrupt in June 2019 with debts of more than £5million.

Before his 2018 divorce battle over a £5.5billion fortune, he faced claims from his lawyer, a gambling firm and former bodyguards.

Trustees Ian Defty and Adrian Hyde were appointed.

Now Geoffrey Lee Stunt is suing them saying the painting is his.

The trustees are resisting his claim in London’s High Court, saying James Stunt "is the rightful owner of the painting".

His financial affairs were handed over to trustees whose job it is to make sure his assets are located and his debts paid off as far as possible.

They claim in London’s High Court that James is “the rightful owner”.

A hearing date is to be set.