’Tank chasing’ lawyers who hounded British soldiers face war crimes rap
Minister’s called Leigh Day & Co law firm ‘ambulance chasers’ as they face unlimited fines and being struck off
A LAW firm has been charged over smears against British soldiers which sparked a £31million five-year war crimes inquiry.
Leigh Day — branded “tank chasers” for hounding troops — is accused of 19 serious breaches.
Together with two partners, Martyn Day and Sapna Malik, it is being prosecuted by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Charges include paying an agent £75,000 to “tout” for work, concealing a key document which proved militiamen were posing as farmers to sue, and making “improper” allegations to seek compensation for clients.
A second law firm, Public Interest Lawyers, is still waiting to see if it will face prosecution.
Last night Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “Our Armed Forces show bravery and dedication in difficult circumstances. They shouldn’t be subject to unfounded legal claims.”
The Al-Sweady Inquiry began over untrue allegations British soldiers tortured and murdered Iraqis in 2004.
When it collapsed the Ministry of Defence complained to the SRA.
Leigh Day will face a panel with the power to impose fines or ban lawyers.
A spokesperson said: “We have been served with a formal set of charges based on some 30 files. Our legal team has now started the process of reviewing all that evidence.”