A grape of wrath

What is it about accountants? Where on earth does an accountant see the sense in suing Marks and Spencer - all over a rogue grape?

I must declare an interest. I’m an accountant by profession. I don’t mind admitting it either.

But accountants around the UK must be hanging their heads in shame at this story.

One of our brethren is suing M&S for £300k, on the pretext that he slipped and injured himself. The cause of the slip, he claims, was a grape that somehow found its way onto his footwear.

The story is all over the national newspapers and online news channels.

The detail with which this story is being reported is fascinating.

To quote from The Times:

Mr Martin-Sklan, who is representing himself at the London hearing, says a piece of squashed fruit was found on his right shoe after the fall — during which he ruptured his quadricep tendon — and could have been picked up inside the shop or in the car park. The businessman, who charges £225 an hour for his financial services, says “loss of confidence” and depression following his injury meant he was unable to recruit new clients and contacts. He also claims that he is no longer able to ski, play football or tennis.

James Aldridge, representing M&S, questioned whether the substance on Mr Martin-Sklan’s sandals was fruit. Mr Martin-Sklan rejected his suggestion that the “piece of goo” may have already been on his sandals when he entered ths store.

As a M&S shareholder, I’m right behind their legal defence. Shame on Mr Martin-Sklan and the disrepute he brings to a noble profession.