A property developer who attempted to build a luxury hotel and spa resort in the Caribbean has been accused of bribery involving high-ranking Government ministers.

Richard Padgett, of Denton, Ilkley, is facing charges in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) after an investigation into alleged corruption and financial mismanagement by the Government of former Prime Minister Michael Misick.

It is believed the businessman, who was behind the Oswin Mills scheme in Shipley in 2006, is now not allowed to leave the islands, a British Overseas Territory, while criminal proceedings continue. Next month, it is understood Mr Padgett and eight other people, including a former deputy prime minister on the islands, Floyd Hall, and three other former ministers, will appear before Court to face various charges including money laundering and conspiracy to defraud the TCI Government.

The charges were filed by a Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) in the wake of the British Government’s suspension of the TCI constitution and its imposition of direct British rule.

Mr Padgett appeared in court last December to face bribery charges.

He was due back in court on Friday, February 3, but the hearing was postponed after the SIPT failed to give defence lawyers enough time to prepare arguments.

TCI Chief Justice Edwin Goldsborough allowed the defendants time to provide submissions to challenge the evidence against them. He said the prosecution shall respond to any such submissions by no later than 4pm on Tuesday, March 6. The charges against Mr Padgett relate to alleged payments uncovered by a Commission of Inquiry in 2009, led by Sir Robin Auld, the UK’s former Lord Chief Justice of Appeal, and concern the Third Turtle Club and Spa.

It is alleged Mr Padgett and his company Oceanpoint Develop-ments, paid more than $1m to Mr Hall and his Progressive National Party as they attempted to build the Third Turtle Club in the Providenciales.

The building of the club, which halted in 2010, despite Mr Padgett allegedly spending more than $20m on it, was opposed by residents.

But permission was granted despite several appeals, which also went to the Supreme Court.

Last April, Mr Padgett, who had lived on the island since 2004, sold his $12m mansion, reportedly called Serendib, to US pop star Prince.

Since living on the island, Mr Padgett also became the president of the TCI Kidney Foundation.