Foxes bidder awarded �2m payout

Gilbert Kinch lost nearly �1m when his bid collapsed

A Leicestershire businessman who was bankrupted during a failed bid to take over Leicester City has been awarded more than �2m in damages.

Gilbert Kinch, 65, from Rothley, tried to take over the club in 2002 after being falsely told by solicitor David Rosling funds were available.

Mr Rosling, 70, from Hammerwood in East Grinstead in Sussex, was struck off by the Law Society for dishonesty in 2006.

A High Court judge awarded damages totalling �2,243,240 against him.

Mr Justice Tugendhat heard how Mr Kinch was "a respected and successful Leicestershire businessman" and had been a non-executive director of Leicester City Football Club until he resigned in 1999.

'Intense humiliation'

His QC, Jeremy Stuart-Smith, said Mr Rosling was the solicitor for an organisation which was understood to have the funds Mr Kinch would require for a takeover.

On the strength of Mr Rosling's "representations and assurances" on the availability of funds Mr Kinch "committed himself to substantial expenditure".

But after the backing failed to materialise, he was unable to meet his debts as they fell due and his shareholding in the club became worthless, at a cost of nearly �1m.

Mr Kinch was made bankrupt in 2003 but this has since been discharged.

Mr Stuart-Smith told the court: "Mr Kinch and his family have suffered intense humiliation, distress and anxiety as a consequence of Mr Rosling's deceit."

Mr Kinch declined to comment as he left court following the hearing.