Colonel testifies against Iraq abuse law firm

A COLONEL who commanded UK forces in Iraq will give evidence to a tribunal involving a law firm accused of hounding British troops.

James Coote will speak on behalf of soldiers at Leigh Day’s seven-week disciplinary hearing starting today.

The law firm, which has secured millions of pounds in compensation for Iraqi clients, has spent £3.9million preparing to defend itself against a string of misconduct charges.

The firm’s boss, Martyn Day, along with lawyers Sapna Malik and Anna Crowther, face being struck off if found guilty.

Colonel Coote of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment will describe how soldiers had their lives ruined by baseless allegations of torture, mutilation and murder in 2004.

Leigh Day is accused of paying an Iraqi agent at least £75,000 to bring in business – a practice that is banned.

The payments make up just a few of the 19 charges brought against the firm.

A Leigh Day spokesman said: ‘We contest all the allegations made against us and will be defending ourselves vigorously at the tribunal hearing.’