Nicholas van Hoogstraten has a way with words. Here's a selection of his choicest bons mots.

"I am probably ruthless and probably violent. I go for direct personal retribution," he told TV reporters ten years ago.

Hoogstraten was known for using strong-arm tactics to get rid of troublesome tenants, whom he described as "filth".

If he bought a building and could not get vacant possession by buying occupants out: "There are other ways of making them go - from taking the roof off or making sure they have a nasty accident going along the road."

In 1974 the multi-millionaire was fined for throwing a family out of a property, joking: "It's the best bit of fun we've had for some time."

In the 1980s he threatened Judge Michael Hyam - now the senior permanent judge at the Old Bailey - telling him: "I will get you in ten years."

He was fined for contempt of court after threatening a barrister - "In due course you are going to have it" - during civil proceedings in 1999.

His views on women are also recorded in interviews. In 1999, he is quoted as saying they should not have been given the vote.

"They should stay at home and look after the children and should not be allowed to work.

"They are all looking for a meal ticket and most men, being w******, give it to them."

Ramblers and tenants who dared challenge him legally were also scorned.

"The whole purpose of having money is to put yourself on a pedestal, isn't it? Not to hobnob with the local riffraff."

Although he never married, he has five children by three different women.

They need not expect total financial security from their father, reputed to be one of the wealthiest men in Britain.

"I don't believe in inherited wealth. I will leave my children a few million so they won't starve. But I have seen people who think the world owes them a living. I believe everyone should do something useful."

Of President Mugabe of Zimbabwe - where he has considerable interests - he said: "I agree entirely with what Mr Mugabe has said and done.

"A lot of white people down here are seeing the opposition party as a means of reverting back to the Rhodesia they used to know and love."