Suicide Over Legal Bill
On 16 April Neil Hill, 56, had his case against rent rises thrown out at Salford County Court. A hearing was told that a costs figure of £2,947 had been arrived at. Neera Gujjar, a Treasury solicitor revealed to the BBC that lawyers had written to Mr Hill twice advising him if his court bid failed he may incur costs. Although the judge said the final costs would be ruled upon at a later date "having regard to the means …
On 16 April Neil Hill, 56, had his case against rent rises thrown out at Salford County Court. A hearing was told that a costs figure of £2,947 had been arrived at. Neera Gujjar, a Treasury solicitor revealed to the BBC that lawyers had written to Mr Hill twice advising him if his court bid failed he may incur costs. Although the judge said the final costs would be ruled upon at a later date "having regard to the means of the unsuccessful party," Mr Hill apparently mistook the estimate to be a the final bill.
Two days later Mr Hill emailed government solicitors saying:
"By the time you receive this I will be dead, having committed suicide."
"I hope you feel very proud of yourselves."
"Before you send another poor old person a bill for £3,000 please think of the consequences."
Mr Hill was found dead at his flat on 21 April.
