His Porsche Boxster, worth £40,000, was vandalised outside a flat he owns in Gosforth, Newcastle, in August.

A corrosive substance was splattered on the side of the vehicle, which has a private registration, causing thousands of pounds of damage.

Now, it has emerged his former lover and business partner Susan Clegg has been arrested by Northumbria Police in connection with the incident.

The 35-year-old, of Gateshead, is helping police with their inquiries and must answer bail later this month, when she could face charges.

It comes just weeks after the pair appeared in court together over alleged business debts to former associate John Richardson.