I was recently involved in a case at the Brighton County Court in relation to a dispute over monies owed.

During the case, the argument sat upon the validity of invoices paid by one party denied by the other.

Despite the defendant's accountants being present, the judge felt it was not appropriate to rely on cheque stubs and nor would he allow the accountants to stand witness on the day, citing court rules that disallowed a witness to appear on the stand if he had not been previously notified to the other side.

In this case, a decision was made against the defendant when it was clear the accountants would have verified the evidence.

The judge was persuaded by the barrister acting for the claimant and his knowledge of the judicial rules.

I urge those in control to look at these rules again if they are to encourage the public to have any confidence in the system.

Let us hope they look at the rules with a logical mind.

-Mark Packwood FRICS, Packwood Property Services, Hove