Accountant drops legal battle against firefighters' union rep

A legal battle brought against a union official, who it was claimed was responsible for instigating firefighter action that closed the airport in May 2008, has been dropped.

Accountant Anthony Hopkins, 62 (pictured), withdrew the action he brought against Unite's regional representative Ron Le Cras to reclaim the £385 he said he and his wife lost when lack of fire cover closed the airport during the bank holiday weekend.

Speaking after a Petty Debts case yesterday, Mr Hopkins said he sensed his opposition was intent on prolonging the case and he did not want the stress of a long legal fight.

'There was going to have to be another hearing - they said they wanted to call witnesses - and it just became too stressful and I have not got the time to do the necessary investigations when I was only looking to recoup a few hundred pounds,' he said.

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