23-year bans for Dylan and Antrobus over £13.9m case
Students and teachers, here’s the short version. Two former business associates, Scott Dylan (41) and David Antrobus (39), have been banned from running companies for a combined 23 years after £13.9 million flowed through Oldcoft Ltd and Old3 Ltd using unarranged overdrafts. Barclays froze the accounts on 24 September 2021 and later sought repayment. The High Court disqualified Dylan for 13 years and Antrobus for 10 at a hearing on Thursday 4 December, with both bans starting on Christmas Day 2025. Transfers included £1.675 million to Dylan, about €1.8 million to a family member, and millions moved between linked companies; the judge said the conduct was “little short of a scam”. In October 2024 both men received 22‑month prison terms for contempt of court after breaching freezing orders. The Insolvency Service published the case on 18 December 2025.
If you’re studying business or teaching corporate responsibility, this case shows how banks react when large sums move without agreed credit and how courts step in to stop money being spirited away. We’ll keep the language plain, define the legal terms, and give you a timeline you can use in class.
Glossary - Freezing order (also called a freezing injunction): a temporary court order that stops someone from moving or dealing with assets while a case is decided. Judges grant these under Civil Procedure Rules Part 25, and the judiciary refreshed the model orders in April 2025. When banks are served, they must follow the order.
How the money moved, according to the Insolvency Service: in spring 2021 the pair opened current accounts for Oldcoft and Old3 and a euro account for Oldcoft. Between mid‑July and late September 2021, more than £13.9 million went into Oldcoft’s account from ten connected firms and over £11.7 million was paid out. Dylan received £1.675 million and €1.795 million went in 37 transfers to a family member; liquidators found no evidence for the claimed hotel purchase in Turkey.
What happened next: Barclays secured freezing orders on 24 September 2021 and demanded repayment within a fortnight. Ten connected companies went into provisional liquidation that November. Oldcoft was wound up in January 2022 owing an estimated £44 million, including £13.7 million to Barclays. Old3 entered administration in April 2022 with an estimated £8.2 million deficiency.
Why breaching a freezing order matters: once an order is served, trying to move assets or restructure ownership behind the scenes can amount to contempt of court. Contempt is a civil wrong with criminal‑style penalties, including prison. The court can also treat such behaviour as a sign that assets are at risk.
Glossary - Director disqualification: when a court disqualifies someone, they cannot form, promote or manage a company (or an LLP) without permission from the court. Bans can last up to 15 years. Breaking a ban is a criminal offence and can bring fines, prison and personal liability for company debts.
Glossary - Provisional liquidation: this is an emergency step the court can use after a winding‑up petition is filed but before it’s heard. A provisional liquidator is appointed to secure assets and records so value doesn’t disappear. The role is temporary and limited until the full hearing.
Timeline snapshot: spring 2021 - accounts opened. Mid‑July to late September 2021 - £13.9m transferred in and £11.7m paid out. 24 September 2021 - freezing orders. November 2021 - ten linked firms in provisional liquidation. January 2022 - Oldcoft wound up. April 2022 - Old3 in administration. October 2024 - contempt sentences. 4 December 2025 - bans ordered. 25 December 2025 - bans take effect.
What this means for learners and early‑career founders: large unarranged overdrafts can be blocked at speed, and banks will look to recover money quickly. Freezing orders arrive with strict deadlines and duties of disclosure. Directors must keep sound records and respect court orders; if something goes wrong, get advice fast.