Cathy Jayne Britten accused of perjury in Soak House Adelaide case, court asked to throw our her appeal

A former $19 million rich lister has copped a soaking in court, including doubt over her husband’s existence.

Fallen real estate mogul and undischarged bankrupt Cathy Jayne Britten has committed “acts of perjury and complete dishonesty”, and her husband may not “actually exist”, a court has heard.

On Wednesday, Ms Britten’s former landlords called on the Supreme Court to end the long-running battle over her shuttered business, Soak House Adelaide, once and for all.

Luke Rowley, for the landlords, said Ms Britten was an undischarged bankrupt and therefore had no legal standing to appear in court.

He said she also could not legally act for her husband David, who she claims is the business’ “100 per cent shareholder” and soon-to-be director.

Mr Rowley said Ms Britten’s submissions in court, about having her Federal Court bankruptcy proceedings “annulled”, were “inconsistent” with the facts.

“To be frank, they are acts of perjury and complete dishonesty,” he said.

“There’s a real concern as to whether or not David Britten is properly engaged with these proceedings … he’s not been seen in any form other than reportedly signing affidavits.

“One wonders if he might even actually exist … it’s a strange set of circumstances.

“Ms Britten has indicated a voracious desire to continue this case, and the court ought to be cautious as to allowing her to proceed.”

Cathy Jayne Pearce leaving Adelaide Magistrates court last year over a rental property dispute.

Since August 2024, Ms Britten has been trying to overturn the cancellation of her lease, by landlords John and Anita Dente, for the alleged non-payment of $9000 in rent.

Her claim against them, their realtor and the business’ former owners was dismissed but, in May, she sought to resurrect it via one final appeal.

She alleged her eviction followed “a prolonged period of harassment, misrepresentation, and commercial interference”.

Former $19m BRW rich-lister Cathy Jayne Peace outside the fence line of her Richmond business, Soak House Adelaide in September 2024.

Cathy Jayne Pearce before bankruptcy.

On Wednesday, Ms Britten conceded she was an undischarged bankrupt but maintained she was “the best person” to represent the company and her husband.

“I confirm I’ve always been absolutely truthful with this court … I’m very committed to being honest with this court,” she said.

Her husband, she said, had been absent from court due to ongoing medical issues which she said should remain private.

“To suggest that David does not exist is preposterous … he has explained his situation in affidavits,” she said.

“This is not a television series, it’s a court, and to make up such frivolous things about his own wellbeing would be ridiculous.

“What happened to us was unlawful and must be heard … I’m not someone who gives up, I’m someone who believes in the rules.”

Justice Ben Doyle ruled Ms Britten has no standing, and said evidence about David Britten’s absence was “inadequate”.

He made no finding about Ms Britten’s truthfulness, deeming it “sufficient to say she has been inaccurate”.

He said that, coupled with repeated noncompliance with court orders, warranted refusing Ms Britten leave to appeal – ending the case.