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Illness halts Ken Bates libel trial
The libel case brought by businessman Melvin Levi against Leeds United chairman Ken Bates has come to an unexpected halt due to an illness in one of the lawyer's families.
Day 6 of the case at London's High Court was postponed just after 10.30am on Tuesday with all parties told to return at the same time on Wednesday.
Judge Mr Justice Gray has already heard from barrister Simon Myerson QC, representing Mr Levi.
He alleged defamatory comments were made about his client in a number of Leeds United programmes and a letter Mr Bates sent to fans, all during 2006 and 2007, and that Mr Levi had been 'persecuted'.
In an October 17 2006 article it was alleged Mr Bates had wrongly given the impression that Mr Levi was "a shyster trying to blackmail Leeds United into paying him money to buy him off for not honouring his obligation."
The comments were made in the wake of Mr Bates's takeover of the club and his subsequent falling out with Mr Levi, a director of the previous regime.
Mr Myerson said that Mr Levi, 66, had been "seriously injured in his reputation and had suffered embarrassment and upset" by what Mr Bates had said in his programme notes.
But Mr Bates has vigorously denied any wrong-doing. His lawyers have counter-alleged that Mr Levi threatened to have Mr Bates killed.
It was alleged Mr Levi "made the shocking and deeply disturbing comment that people can get shot and that he, Mr Levi, was owed money and he would have no problem going to prison". The United chairman, now 77, may now have to wait until Wednesday to take the stand.
The case continues.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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