Eady J backs Withers over top chef's privacy claims

Withers over top chef's privacy claims" />Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White has failed in his attempt to sue his ex-wife's lawyers, Withers, for breaching his privacy during divorce proceedings.

White alleged that Withers family partner Marcus Dearle had instructed his ex-wife to steal his mail and use it as ammunition in the divorce case. Dearle and Mrs White denied the accusations of theft, prompting High Court Judge Mr Justice Eady to strike out the claim.

Eady J said in his judgment: "Even though feelings often run high in the course of matrimonial disputes, that does not justify the making of allegations of criminality, against solicitors or anyone else, without a solid basis for doing so."

Mrs White had passed copies of private documents concerning her former husband to her lawyers at Withers, but Eady J, who is regarded as being very strict on privacy issues, saw no cause for complaint.

Hill Dickinson acted for Marco Pierre White, instructing Jonathan Crystal at Cloisters. Barlow Lyde & Gilbert advised Withers, instructing David Sherborne at 5 Raymond Buildings.