Dyslexic sues bank - because he can't read his statements

A dyslexic man is suing two major banks over charges he claims are unfair because he cannot understand their statements.

Self-employed property developer Robert Neil claims Barclays and the Royal Bank of Scotland are in breach of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 by failing to take into account his difficulties in comprehending written words and figures.

The 43-year-old says the banks' failure to communicate with him verbally, in a way he can understand, has led to stress, a bad credit rating and thousands of pounds in bank charges.

The case is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK. If Mr Neil's actions succeed, it could force banks and businesses to review dramatically the way they deal with customers with any mental impairment.