Bernie Ecclestone tells of his relief as daughter Petra is granted a £5.5bn divorce from James Stunt in five-minute hearing
BILLIONAIRE Bernie Ecclestone has told of his relief after his daughter Petra was granted a divorce from her husband James Stunt this morning.
The former F1 supremo has steadfastly supported the 28-year-old mum-of-three in her battle with the playboy over their reputed £5.5billion fortune.
The pair were due to continue their bitter divorce fight at the Central Family Court today with a two-day contested hearing.
However, after five minutes of proceedings it was announced both parties had reached agreement on a series of issues and settled out of court.
“I'm just glad it's over. Petra is too. She has been very tolerant and has been concerned about James.
“Now we are going for a family meal, but we were doing that anyway. No champagne, no big celebration. Just Petra and her sister, me, her mother and the family.”
Neither Petra 28 or Stunt, 35, were in court for the short hearing.
On being told the parties had come to an understanding, Judge Robin Tolson QC said: "I'm delighted about that and I congratulate both parties."
Philip Cayford QC, representing Stunt, said: "Clearly both parties have come to agreement which is an extremely desirable outcome."
Both legal teams also requested the judge declare decree nisi for divorce today as Ecclestone and Stunt had both signed the relative documentation which was before the judge.
After checking the paperwork, the judge said: ";I pronounce decree nisi for divorce."
In a short statement released after the hearing, James Stunt said: "I am devastated that my marriage has broken down.
"I love Petra and our children and I hope the press respect our privacy now as we carry out our most important responsibility of being mother and father to our wonderful children."
A spokesman added: "It is announced, with regret, that James Stunt and Petra Ecclestone have agreed to divorce and that Decree Nisi, uncontested, was granted by HHJ Tolson this morning.
"James is committed to remaining firm friends with Petra and is concerned that the misleading media coverage of their divorce has not accurately reflected the issues which were in dispute."
Afterwards Petra's sister Tamara posted an Instagram message that read: "You're a diamond dear, they can't break you"
The couple married six years ago in a lavish £12million ceremony in an Italian castle, and have three children together, but earlier this year it emerged earlier they had started divorce proceedings.
In July this year Stunt was evicted from their £100million Chelsea mansion.
A hearing earlier this year was told Mr Stunt had signed prenuptial agreement worth £16million, and the estranged couple were expected to fight over their £158million mansion in Los Angeles and a Grade II-listed home in London's Chelsea.
Tempers flared during the July hearing when Mr Stunt slammed his hand onto a table and appeared to make a 'gun gesture' with his hand.
He also pointed at Mr Ecclestone before calling him a 'c***' under his breath, it was reported.
However no details of his condition were given.
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