Singapore-based Infrastructure Development International (IDI) is suing Colin Howard of Hyde Park Mansions, London NW1, for damages for alleged breach of contract in a deal to purchase rhodium from South Africa. IDI alleges that under a 1998 agreement last year, it agreed to transfer $500,000 (u312,000) to an account nominated by Howard to buy rhodium from a mine in South Africa and resell it for a 300 per cent profit, with two thirds of profits going to IDI. However, IDI claims that in breach of the terms of the agreement, Howard has failed to pay either the profits on the deal or to account for the initial investment. Now IDI is suing for damages of u895,522.38 and interest of u37,293.20 and continuing interest.

Claim issued by Bower Cotton, London EC

Joseph Grossman of Edgware, Middlesex, is suing Whitworths Holdings of Northamptonshire, Countrywide Property Management, based in Northampton, and Motormend Garage, of Wellingborough, over a tractor and three-deck trailer which he left with them for work to be carried out. He claims that the tractor and trailer unit was disposed of without his knowledge or consent at an undervalue for the benefit of Whitworths. Grossman claims he left his lorry with the garage in 1994, and also left u500 to pay for the repairs. But he claims that the garage relocated to new premises and used his tractor unit as a shunter vehicle in the yard while the trailer was parked in storage on premises owned by Whitworths. He says he was told by the property manager, Countrywide Property, that the lorry, which he values at u22,500, had been sold in 1996. He seeks an order for the return of the market value of his lorry.

Claim issued by Heather Mains & Co, Edgware, Middlesex

Dental surgeons David Cohen and Philip Greene of Manchester are suing Medical Insurance Agency over a TriDent computer system which was meant to support their practice. Their claim says the system was not of merchantable quality and that Medical Insurance failed to use reasonable care in writing the programme, installing, maintaining and supporting the system. It claims they had to replace the system and as a result of what happened their total losses ran to u296,424. The claim accuses Medical Insurance of breach of contract.

Claim issued by Fruhman Davies & Co, Manchester

A rights of way battle over land in Altrincham, Cheshire, involving the Forestry Commission and Omega Pacific of Altrincham, Cheshire, is heading for the High Court. The commission is seeking determination of whether, on the true construction of a lease dated 17 December 1996 between the Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Wales, the exercise of rights of way over land occupied by Omega requires prior appointment to be made with Omega. The commission also seeks an order restraining Omega from interfering with what it claims are its rights in respect of the land.

Claim issued by Eversheds, Cardiff