Coup case collapses as suspect is detained

The apparent actions of the state of Equatorial Guinea have led to the collapse of one of the most important cases of the last decade.

The House of Lords, with an unprecedented nine law lords sitting, refused to continue to hear a claim against the alleged plotters of a failed coup as the state would not allow defendant Simon Mann to meet with lawyers.

Mann, a former British SAS officer accused of instigating the plot, is being held at a prison in Equatorial Guinea after being extradited secretly from Zimbabwe.

He has been prevented from meeting with either his lawyers or British consular representatives.

Penningtons partner Robert Wilson was instructed by Equatorial Guinea, while Andy Kerman of Kerman & Co advised Mann.