A High Court judge has dismissed a legal claim brought by Michael Brown against Reform UK treasurer Nick Candy and eight others, describing the case as 'hopeless', 'misconceived', and 'baseless'. The claim, which sought £659 million, related to an alleged fraudulent valuation of Candy's penthouse in One Hyde Park, Knightsbridge, and an alleged breach of contract.
Judge Neil Cadwallader ruled that the nature of the claim was 'extremely difficult to discern' and that it was bound to fail. Brown, who represented himself, left the hearing halfway through citing medical reasons. The judge also imposed a civil restraining order to prevent Brown from bringing further legal action on the same issue and ordered him to pay costs.
David Lascelles, representing Candy, told the court that Brown had initially contacted Candy's representatives in 2016, claiming a Saudi prince was interested in buying the penthouse. Candy provided a Savills valuation of £160 million, but two days later, Brown emailed saying he had received racist abuse at the Mandarin Oriental hotel and could not recommend the sale, ending the deal.
Brown had previously brought a £1.5 billion claim against Candy in 2018, which was also thrown out. He was later made bankrupt after failing to pay legal costs. At the hearing, Brown alleged he was bankrupted by fraud and claimed he was 'hoping to get the backing of Elon Musk'. He also accused Candy's lawyers of cheating, but the judge dismissed these claims as 'incoherent'.
