Craig Cathcart, a former footballer, secures a major victory in a land dispute.
- The case, involving alleged negligence, was successfully presented by Prosperity Law.
- A six-figure settlement was reached, addressing damages and legal costs.
- Negligence during the conveyancing process was a central issue in the dispute.
- The victory highlights the importance of thorough due diligence in property transactions.
Craig Cathcart, renowned for his role as a centre-back with Blackpool and Watford, along with earning 73 caps for Northern Ireland, found himself embroiled in a legal dispute over a land purchase. The conflict stemmed from a significant oversight by a previous law firm handling his conveyancing. This firm failed to identify that the land Cathcart acquired was landlocked and consequently unsuitable for development.
The negligence was described as ‘deeply concerning’ by Paul Magee, the head of property litigation at Prosperity Law, who led the case. Magee highlighted that even a basic check using online mapping tools would have revealed the lack of physical access to the plot. The planning phase had advanced with permissions granted and architectural plans developed before the oversight was discovered, leaving Cathcart with an inaccessible piece of land.
Despite initial resistance from the responsible law firm’s insurers, Prosperity Law successfully negotiated a settlement approaching £500,000. This resolution not only covered Cathcart’s losses but also accounted for legal expenses incurred during the litigation process. Paul Magee remarked on the case as a potent reminder of the necessity for meticulous due diligence in property transactions, asserting that litigation can sometimes be the only path to justice.
Throughout the ordeal, Cathcart appreciated the steadfast support and expertise of Prosperity Law’s team, particularly its leader, Paul Magee, who was recommended to him by a mutual acquaintance. Magee’s confidence and the team’s diligence were pivotal in achieving a favourable result for Cathcart.
Following the resolution, the disputed plot’s sale was managed by Warren Kaye, head of residential property at Prosperity Law, marking the conclusion of Cathcart’s challenging experience with the land.
This case serves as a crucial lesson on the importance of vigilance and thoroughness in property transactions.
