Kevin Maxwell loses High Court battle

Kevin Maxwell lost a High Court battle over which judge should conduct his second trial. He said his faith in the justice system had been "shaken" by the court's decision to uphold a refusal by the Lord Chancellor to appoint Lord Justice Phillips, the judge who presided at his first trial, when he was cleared of allegations of dishonesty.

His lawyers had contended that Lord Justice Phillips, who was appointed an appeal judge during the 131-day first Maxwell trial, was uniquely qualified to deal with the complex arguments and issues, thus avoiding delay and public expense. Lord Justice Henry and Mr Justice Sachs said Lord Mackay was entitled to conclude that Lord Justice Phillips was most needed in the Court of Appeal.