Blogger Scott Burgess is back from his self imposed hibernation with news of some legal developments.
Remember the case of the Guardian trainee journalist Dilpazier Aslam who was sacked in 2005 for being a member of Islamist group Hizb ut Tahrir and who subsequently took legal action against the paper?
According to a recent Private Eye article Aslam let pride come before a substantial windfall:
It seems that Mr. Aslam was offered the handsome sum of £100,000 to go away and leave the Guardian alone – but, finding the amount unsatisfactory, Mr. Aslam declined the offer.
According to the Eye report, Guardian lawyers then discovered similar cases in which the payout was considerably lower, leading their offer to be reduced to a mere £30,000. Acting on the advice of his lawyer, Mr. Aslam accepted.
To reflect on the £70,000 his arrogance cost him always brings a smile to my face – especially when I consider how painful the outcome must be for him, and how often – and how bitterly – he must reflect on his unfortunate decision.