Hotel drops wedding case

Lance Corporal Tudball was injured in a "friendly fire" incident

A hotel has dropped its legal action against a soldier whose wedding reception had to be cancelled because he was in a coma after being injured in Iraq.

Lance Corporal Alan Tudball, of Moreton, Merseyside, suffered massive head injuries when he was attacked in a so-called "friendly fire" incident in March.

His fiancée Claire McCombe had to cancel the reception at the Leasowe Castle Hotel, in Wirral, which then sued the couple for £2,500.

But it has withdrawn its action, saying it was under the impression the Ministry of Defence (MoD) would foot the bill.

Peter Atherton, the hotel's owner, said: "I was under the distinct impression from Alan - and I even put that in writing to him - that the MoD would pay any cancellation charges.

'Brave guy'

"That was the basis of the misunderstanding and that's desperately sad.

"Obviously I wouldn't be suing Alan Tudball in court.

"He's a brave guy, he's been fighting for Queen and country and there's just no way I would take that individual to court.

"We've certainly dropped legal proceedings and I've offered to pay for his wedding on a future date that we can agree on."

Lance Corporal Tudball's lawyer David Kirwan said the couple were "delighted" at the settlement.

The solicitors are also opening an appeal fund for the soldier, who is unable to work because of his injuries.