David Glasheen Former stockbroker living on the island Country: Australia

1. Former stockbroker living on an island
2. A life-changing event
3. The obligations and the island life
4. Life on the island
5. Legal battle and future plans

Former stockbroker living on an island

David Glasheen, a former Australian stockbroker, is now living a modern-day version of Robinson Crusoe. While Robinson Crusoe ended up on an island due to a shipwreck, the fate of David Glasheen, a former Australian entrepreneur and stockbroker, led him to an uninhabited island through a more cunning way. Since 1993, Glasheen has been living on Restoration Island, a tiny island near the northeast coast of Australia.

A life-changing event

Glasheen's life took a radical turn in 1987 when a failed operation in the stock market cost him £6.5 million. Now, Glasheen finds himself facing a problem that Robinson Crusoe never had to consider – he is being evicted from the island. The Supreme Court of Queensland ruled that David has not fulfilled his obligations and, as a result, no longer has the right to occupy the island.

The obligations and the island life

Glasheen had taken on significant obligations in the past – he was supposed to build a tourist resort on the island. However, he has not been actively involved in construction work recently. Instead, he has been living quietly, sustaining himself with self-grown vegetables and homemade beer. Interestingly, Glasheen has not stopped trading on the stock exchange – now, however, he works as a broker through the internet.

Life on the island

According to Glasheen himself, the island has profoundly changed him. Although there are times when he feels extremely lonely – with no mermaids on the local shores and yachties visiting him infrequently – his only constant company is his dog, Quasi. Solitary life presents many challenges, where a simple mistake can have deadly consequences. However, Glasheen has adapted to island life.

Legal battle and future plans

One-third of the island was leased to Glasheen by the Australian government for 43 years. He and his business partner were supposed to develop fishing operations and build tourist infrastructure with a minimum cost of £131,000. However, authorities now claim that Glasheen had no intention of fulfilling his promises and was simply enjoying the benefits of his personal tropical island for a ridiculously low rent of £13,000 per year. Although the court ruled against him, Glasheen plans to appeal, as returning to the big world is the last thing he desires.