Butcher fails in fight against Somerfield

Carl Hayes, 43, who had operated Cleveland Butchers, employing more than 80 people at a chain of concessionary units at Kwik Save stores, now part of the Somerfield group, in the Merseyside area, had gone to the High Court claiming that his meat and deli products had been “mis-scanned” at the check-out till, leading to heavy losses

He told the court that when he 'whistle-blew' on the practice, he was forced out of the stores, his business was ruined and he was declared bankrupt.

But Somerfield QC Sue Carr said Hayes had conducted “what was little short of a campaign of abuse and harassment” against the company.

Striking out the case, Judge Jeremy McMullen said: “This material is abusive. It is an entirely inappropriate way to ventilate a grievance, which he continues to nurse.”

Mr Hayes was also ordered to pay Somerfield's costs.

After the case, Somerfield issued a statement which read: “We have consistently denied that we owe any liability to Mr Hayes or to his previous company Cleveland Butchers Limited. The High Court has agreed with us in the most comprehensive terms possible and dismissed the case.”

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