Co-op IT chief seeks vindication

The Co-operative Group's IT director became the centre of a storm of controversy this week, as the retailer sought to challenge a court ruling which accused him of conspiring to plot the downfall of IT supplier ICL.

Keith Brydon, general manager of IT at the Co-op, hit the headlines last month, when a court ruling raised questions about his judgement and accused his IT staff of deliberate lies during an £11m court battle with ICL.

But, in the latest twist to one of the most controversial cases to appear before the Technology and Construction Court, the Co-op is in turn accusing the judge of inventing evidence.

Documents lodged in the appeal court criticise the judge for making personal attacks on Co-op IT staff and on its legal representatives.