Harrassment bill for Bates

LEEDS United chairman Ken Bates has been ordered to pay £10,000 to a former director who believes money spent on the case could be to the detriment of investment in the club’s playing squad.

Melvyn Levi and his wife Carole sued Mr Bates for harrassment and claimed they suffered stress as a result of announcements on the club radio station, Yorkshire Radio.

They also claimed comments made by Mr Bates in his match day programme notes amounted to speculation over the state of their marriage.

Mr Levi was awarded £10,000 in compensation at Leeds County Court yesterday but his wife’s claim failed.

Judge Mark Gosnell said Mr Bates’s actions had been motivated by a “personal grudge” against Mr Levi and he imposed a a two-year injunction against Mr Bates banning him from discussing Mr Levi’s private life.

The judge said the injunction was necessary to quell the risk of further harassment.

However, Mr Bates, who was ordered to pay 30% of Mr Levi and his wife’s legal bill, is allowed to mention a separate commercial dispute between himself and Mr Levi.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Levi said he believed almost £4m had been spent by Mr Bates and the club in their dealings with him.

Mr Levi claimed this money would have been better invested in the club’s playing squad.

In a statement, Leeds United said: “It has been our position throughout that this case could and should have been resolved without getting to Court. From the outset efforts were made by the club to settle the case without substantial costs being incurred.

“Mrs Levi’s claim for damages and an injunction failed in its entirety, whilst Mr Levi was awarded a sum of money which he had been offered months previously. The substantial reductions in the costs claimed by Mr Levi reflect the fact that his claim failed in a number of respects.

“Whilst the Court has granted permission to appeal, the Club will take time to consider its options.”