The director of a hotel refurbishment business which failed with almost £5 million of debts has promised to stay away from company management for five years.

Joseph O'Riordan, 63, of Channel Way, Fairlight, Hastings, was also director of a nightclub business which failed with almost £400,000 of debts.

His undertaking was given in respect of his conduct as a director of J R Leisure Development Company and J R Licensed Properties, which traded from premises in Carlisle Parade, Hastings.

Mr O'Riordan is prevented from being a director of a company or taking part in the promotion, formation or management of a company for five years.

The companies, which have an estimated total deficit of £5,363,550, were placed into compulsory liquidation by the High Court on October 25, 2000.

The Insolvency Service, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, investigated the conduct of Mr O'Riordan.

Friday February 13, 2004