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This is just the sort of case that brings the law into disrepute.

The former clients, Mr Bacciottini met Ms Cook, were out of pocket by £250. Yet they believed that they had a chance of recovering £100K.

The Court of Appeal judgment refers to "fairness and justice" and another judgment that refer to the "dictates of common sense". The law, sometimes, has a habit of complying with concepts of fairness, justice and common sense despite clever arguments to the contrary.

The appellants were chancers and were, no doubt, advised that they had a chance of a windfall. They are left with a hefty costs bill. The real winners are the solicitors on either side, and Mr David Halpern QC, leading Mrs Teresa Rosen Peacocke (for the appellants) and Mr Ian Gatt QC, leading Mr Graeme Robertson (for the respondents).