Bates loses libel case
By Rich B
July 4 2009
Leeds United chairman, Ken Bates has lost a libel case in the High Court brought by former Director, Melvyn Levi. Levi, a member of the Krasner consortium that briefly controlled the club before selling it to Bates four years ago had taken action after Bates wrote several articles about him in the club's matchday programme and in a seperate letter.
July 4 2009
Leeds United chairman, Ken Bates has lost a libel case in the High Court brought by former Director, Melvyn Levi. Levi, a member of the Krasner consortium that briefly controlled the club before selling it to Bates four years ago had taken action after Bates wrote several articles about him in the club's matchday programme and in a seperate letter.
The comments questionned referred to Levi as a 'Shyster' and accusing him of attempting to blackmail the club, comments that Mr Levi claimed "seriously injured" his reputation. The Judge ruled than Bates failed in his defences of justification and fair comment.
The Judge also refused Bates leave of appeal but has not yet provided reasons, which wil be confirmed in writting. Bates has the right to go straight to the Court of Appeal but has confirmed he will wait to understand the Judge's reasons before making a final decision.
In losing the case, Ken Bates was ordered to pay Mr Levi £50,000 in damages and Mr Levi was also awarded costs, which could run as high as £1.5m. It is unclear at this stage how these costs will be funded and whether Leeds United will be directly affected by this judgement.
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