The Court of Appeal this morning heard an application by the Claimant, Matthew Fiddes, for permission to appeal the decision of Mr Justice Tugendhat to have the trial heard by judge alone. The Court, which comprised Lord Neuberger, Master of the Rolls, Lord Justice Maurice Kay, Vice President of the Court of Appeal (Civil Division) and Lord Justice Sedley, gave Fiddes permission but then went on to refuse the substantive appeal. Judgment has been reserved, but Fiddes has been ordered to pay Channel 4’s costs in the sum of £14,000 within 28 days. Trial is due to commence on Monday with a time estimate of 20 days. Continue reading