What's in the news...

Tom Brennan, a newly qualified barrister, launched a High Court action yesterday to have a judge rule that charges levied on him and millions of other similar customers are illegal.

If Tom is successful the action will set a legal precedent forcing the banks to hand back the £4.2bn that it is estimated they make from fees each year.

Appearing in the City of London County Court yesterday, the highlights of the case are:

• Mr Brennan ran up almost £2500 in overdraft charges whilst studying.
• He claimed the charges are disproportionate and unfair and demanded the bank repay the money plus damages.
• He revealed the extraordinary lengths that NatWest had gone to to avoid setting a legal precedent.
• NatWest paid £4000 into his account without his permission and against his wishes.
• When he tried to pay back the money NatWest refused to accept it.
• Mr Brennan argues that this again illustrates the imbalance in power between the banks and the consumer.

As expected Natwest told the court that the case should be thrown out as the bank had resolved the complaint with the payment - though it seems Mr Brennan doesn't agree.

Here at ConsumerRightsExpert we are hoping that Judge Peter Simpson, who adjourned the case until a date yet to be decided, finds in Mr Brennan's favour and that he becomes a consumer champion forcing the banks into repaying the bilions they grabbed!

We will report the conclusion of the case as soon as it is decided.