A former managing durector of Leeds United has been ordered to pay more than £121,500 in costs to a London lawyer he accused of ‘human trafficking’.
David Haigh brought a private prosecution against his former business partner Peter Gray alleging that he conspired with two colleagues to entice him to Dubai with the false promise of a job. He was then arrested and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for embezzlement and breach of trust.
A former managing durector of Leeds United has been ordered to pay more than £121,500 in costs to a London lawyer he accused of ‘human trafficking’.
David Haigh brought a private prosecution against his former business partner Peter Gray alleging that he conspired with two colleagues to entice him to Dubai with the false promise of a job. He was then arrested and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for embezzlement and breach of trust.
The case in London brought by Mr Haigh was dismissed and he must now pay the costs. Leeds United was sold to Dubai-based GFH Capital in 2012. A Dubai court ruled that he had falsified £3m worth of invoices in connection with the sale.
Mr Haigh’s assets have been frozen since July last year. A spolesman for him said that he would ‘appeal vigorously’ against the award of costs although the judge in the case ruled that it was wholly improper to launch the proceedings. He also intends to pursue further legal action against GFH.
This case again raises the issue of whether there are sufficient checks on the judgment and probity of individuals who become involved in football. It also shows how unfortunate Leeds United has been in serving as a magnet for individuals whose standards are apparently not of the highest.