Sir Elton aid denies negligence

Sir Elton: Claim of £20m 'shortfall' in finances

A man accused by rock star Sir Elton John of losing him millions from overseas tours has denied negligence in the High Court.

For 17 years Andrew Haydon, 45, played a role in looking after the singer's financial affairs as former managing director of John Reid Enterprises (JREL), once Sir Elton's management company.

Sir Elton, 53, is suing Mr Haydon and City accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers for some £20m.

Both are vigorously contesting the action.

The singer claims that he discovered the alleged £20m shortfall in his finances after he parted company with agent John Reid.

'Aversion'

The accountants' lawyers told a preliminary hearing in December that Sir Elton had already accepted $5m from Mr Reid in settlement of his claims against him.

On Monday Gordon Pollock QC, acting for Sir Elton, told Mr Justice Ferris Sir Elton had an "aversion to men in suits whether they were lawyers, accountants or others badgering him to take on board lots of boring details".

The central dispute was whether or not the costs borne by Sir Elton John's companies "should have been borne by JREL", Mr Pollock told the court.

The singer is claiming that Mr Haydon was negligent in allowing JREL to charge US tour expenses to Sir Elton.

Mr Haydon claims it is normal practice in the music industry.

The High Court action is being brought both by the singer and his three companies W Bong Ltd, J Bondi Ltd and Happenstance Ltd and is likely to last up to eight weeks.

It is not known at what stage the singer will give evidence.