Legal aid funds. A civil action for unlawful arrest against Dorset Police,
which cost the taxpayer a quarter of a million pounds, has created the most
highly valued tea bags ever. Psychologist Dr Ian Anderson launched the
action six and a half years ago after being held by local police for 14
hours following the discovery of a bomb near his house. Anderson alleges
that officers charged into his home, broke a garage window, and stole a
u300 revolver and u180 from his wallet. He claimed u500,000 damages for
loss of income and trauma. However, a jury at Bournemouth County Court
awarded him a mere u100 compensation – for the use of two tea bags and
washing up liquid used by the detectives investigating the incident.
Chief circuit judge for Leicester Judge Victor Hall, who was banned from
driving for a year, fined u1,000 and suspended as a judge by Leicester
magistrates after admitting drinking more than twice the alcohol limit at a
bar function. But what was rough justice for the judge was sweet revenge
for the numerous locals who have appeared before him in the past – a
jeering crowd gathered on the steps of the court to shout abuse at the
judge as he left. His solicitor Gordon Hamilton told the court of Judge
Hall's "great humiliation".
Protest groups. Mr Justice Burton has issued a stern warning to
eco-activists hell-bent on saving the world from genetically modified food.
He found four campaigning members of Genetix Snowball who destroyed a crop
of sugar beet in Hertfordshire in June guilty of contempt of court for
breaking an injunction, despite the fact that the group did not realise the
injunction applied to them.
Divorce lawyers, who are fuming about a new on-line divorce service.
Clients need never again weep on the shoulders of their solicitor as they
reel off a list of emotional wounds, nor actually meet their lawyer at all.
Desktop Lawyer, launched by solicitor Richard Cohen, offers cyber divorce
for a mere u79.99 as well as tenancy, confidentiality and employment
agreements.
