Elton John loses High Court action

Elton John has lost his multi-million pound High Court action over tour costs he claims he should not have paid.

Lawyers for the star later indicated that they had not had time to take instructions over a possible appeal.

It emerged that Elton now faces a legal costs bill of around £8m after losing his claim against the two defendants, which had amounted to around £14m.

After the judge’s announcement, Mr Haydon’s solicitor Nik Rochez said in a statement: "Mr Haydon will obviously be delighted that after two years of litigation the case against Elton’s auditors and against him as a former director has been dismissed.

"Whilst Mr Haydon always expected this result, he will be particularly pleased that the case against him was rejected on so many grounds and with such force. This is both a just and wonderful result."

He said the case against Mr Haydon had involved the interpretation of a complicated management agreement.

"The judge held that the interpretation of that agreement by the auditors and by him was correct and that the terms of the agreement had been applied correctly throughout a very lengthy period."

What was of particular importance to Mr Haydon, he said, was the view expressed by the judge that he was "fully satisfied" Mr Haydon had acted honestly.

Mr Rochez said: "In short, not only was this a case that should never have been brought, but in bringing it against an individual a considerable degree of distress has been caused to Mr Haydon and his family, which can now be put behind them.

"Mr Haydon continues his career in the entertainment industry and at present is engaged on a number of new projects with young and exciting performers."