$10,000 damages claim. Dieter Arnold-Kurt Friehe Jnr., of Leacraft Hill, Southampton, claims Mr. Butler damaged his car on the grounds of Butterfield Excavation in August 1998 by driving into it. He is claiming $5,000 in debt and damage, $2,500 in loss of works and transport and $2,500 in trauma and compensation.

However Mr. Butler vehemently denied he was at fault. He told Magistrate William Francis: "I am disputing this claim one hundred percent.

"This young man says his vehicle was damaged at Butterfield Excavation property in August 1998. I didn't start work as a consultant there until November 1998.'' Mr. Friehe claimed Mr. Butler had said he would fix his car. Mr. Francis warned Mr. Friehe that the burden of proof fell on the one making the claim and that he would have to provide witnesses. The case will be heard on June 29.