Sean Connery - Connery Denies Swiss Court Summons

Veteran actor SIR SEAN CONNERY has denied any knowledge of a reported legal battle over a 30-year-old business deal - insisting he never received a court summons ordering him to give evidence in Switzerland.

The former James Bond star is reportedly being investigated for a dispute over a loan he offered to French-Swiss property developer, known only as Jean-René, in 1972.

Jean-René died of cancer in 2002, and his son Christian, who does not want the family surname to be made public, has taken legal action against Connery.

The actor is reportedly accused of lending the late businessman $4 million (£2.8 million) and then selling off the assets provided as security on the loan for a profit when Jean-René could not make the repayments.

Christian claims Connery sold off a portfolio of shares, property and gems worth $10 million (£7 million), which would now be worth $50 million (£35 million) - realising the actor more than his original investment.

Reports surfaced on Monday (02Mar09) that Connery had been summoned to give evidence at a court in Switzerland as part of the case.

But a spokesman for the actor insists the star has absolutely no knowledge of the lawsuit: "Sean knows nothing about this and so far he's received no summons to attend the court."