SMG Triumphs Over Evans In High Court Battle

Chris Evans has lost his multimillion pound claim for damages against SMG’s Virgin Radio, after the station sacked him from his breakfast show in June 2001 (see Virgin Terminates Evans’ Contract).

The high-profile TV and radio presenter claimed he was unfairly dismissed and proceeded to sue SMG for the loss of share options worth £8.6 million. However, the court ruled today that Evans had breached the terms of his contract and was not entitled to compensation.

The judge also made it clear that Virgin Radio is entitled to seek damages from Evans, the value of which will be decided at a later hearing. It is also understood that the former DJ has been ordered to pay the costs of the High Court case, which are valued at around £4 million.

Commenting on the ruling, Andrew Flanagan, chief executive of SMG, said: “We had a duty and a responsibility to defend our actions and this case on behalf of our shareholders. All our actions have been totally vindicated with today’s judgement.”

Evans, who was reportedly accused of “overbearing arrogance and conceit” by the QC representing SMG, was not in court to hear the decision.

The ex-Big Breakfast presenter announced his return to British media at last year’s Guardian Edinburgh International TV Festival by revealing he had been talking to venture capitalists about acquiring a stake in a UK television channel (see GEITF 2002: Evans Announces Return To UK Media).

SMG: 0141 300 3000 www.smg.plc.uk

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