OAMPS Insurance Brokers has won a restraining order banning a former staff member from soliciting its clients for one year.

The company sued broker Peter Hanna in the NSW Supreme Court to enforce confidentiality obligations and restraint covenants in Mr Hanna’s employment contract.

Court records state the issue came to light after the 30-year insurance industry veteran kept his mobile phone number after going to work for Strathearn Insurance in May. Three former OAMPS clients then got in touch and went over to him at his new employer.

Details of further contact with former clients was also cited in court.

Mr Hanna gave evidence that he believed the restraint deed permitted him to deal with clients of OAMPS with whom he previously dealt, but not to solicit their business.

At the time of leaving OAMPS Mr Hanna was a client director responsible for up to six brokers. He had been employed by OAMPS since 1990 but resigned in May.

He had previously worked for Chambers Gallop McMahon, whose business OAMPS bought.

In his Supreme Court ruling Justice Hammerschlag also ordered Mr Hanna to provisionally pay OAMPS’ legal costs.