A $77 million (£42 million) negligence claim against commercial silk Andrew Lydiard QC and London firm Howard Kennedy has been dismissed at the High Court after the Portuguese businessman bringing the case, Dr Antonio Lopes, withdrew his claim and agreed to pay both defendants' costs on an indemnity basis. Mr Lydiard, a tenant at Brick Court Chambers who was advised by City firm Barlow Lyde & Gilbert, will receive an interim payment of £1.6 million. Howard Kennedy, advised by insurance firm Kennedys, will receive a contribution of £1.25 million towards its costs. Dr Lopes brought the case claiming that he lost his chance to give effect to rights he had acquired to sue British Aerospace.