Accountant sues Marks & Spencer for £300,000 over ‘grape injury’

An accountant who says his business suffered after he slipped on a grape in a Marks & Spencer store and hurt his leg is claiming more than £300,000 compensation from the retail giant.

Alexander Martin-Sklan, 55, from Barnet, Herts, launched his High Court damages action yesterday over the incident in June 2004. The case is being contested by the chain.

Mr Martin-Sklan, who is representing himself at the London hearing, says a piece of squashed fruit was found on his right shoe after the fall — during which he ruptured his quadricep tendon — and could have been picked up inside the shop or in the car park. The businessman, who charges £225 an hour for his financial services, says “loss of confidence” and depression following his injury meant he was unable to recruit new clients and contacts. He also claims that he is no longer able to ski, play football or tennis.



James Aldridge, representing M&S, questioned whether the substance on Mr Martin-Sklan’s sandals was fruit. Mr Martin-Sklan rejected his suggestion that the “piece of goo” may have already been on his sandals when he entered ths store.

The accountant told the court: “I have a cleaner who cleans all my shoes on a Wednesday or Thursday, and if there was anything beneath the sole she would have taken it off.”

The hearing continues.