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High Court Throws Out Steve Finnan Appeal as Bankruptcy Petition Proceeds

A 'totally without merit' ruling over an unpaid sub-£50,000 costs order sends the case back to the insolvency list.

Overview

  • The bankruptcy petition against the former Liverpool defender concerns an unpaid costs order of under £50,000 arising from failed contempt proceedings linked to a struck‑out £6m negligence claim against Charles Russell Speechlys.
  • Mr Justice Mellor dismissed Finnan’s High Court appeal, refused permission to appeal, and certified it as totally without merit, calling it a delay tactic and “completely hopeless.”
  • Finnan represented himself and argued the matter was too complex for the county court and that District Judge Carla Revere showed apparent bias, but the judge rejected those claims.
  • The petition, brought at Central London County Court, has been returned to the insolvency list for further directions, with no date yet set for a final hearing.
  • As background to the long-running dispute, Finnan secured a £4m settlement from his brother in 2018 that was never paid, had his brother made bankrupt in 2019, and later sold memorabilia, including his 2005 Champions League medal, to meet legal costs.