That name does ring a bell from conversation with a mate years...

That name does ring a bell from conversation with a mate years ago. I think you will find he sold out when he was told to leave. Mate got a call to buy his shares off market and he said no thank you, so I take it the company were shopping around with the top 20 to see if a holder would buy off market, so they wouldn't be dumped on market at the time.

He took the fall for over spending on the project from what I remember being told but looking at things now with Sharon having to pay back money, it would make you question if John had to take the fall for someone else in the company?

I believe John was held in high regards by many and a shame he was a casualty of the company he was working for .