The Guardian - NatWest bank charges case adjourned

A court bid to seek damages from NatWest bank over "unfair" penalty charges has been adjourned without arguments being heard.

Tom Brennan, a customer with the bank, had lodged an application to obtain exemplary damages from the bank in relation to unauthorised credit penalty fees.

But Judge Peter Simpson adjourned today's session stating that not enough time had been set aside and referred the case to a future date.

Mr Brennan, who recently qualified as a barrister, was at the City of London county court to claim damages against NatWest after he ran up £2,500 in penalty charges while studying law.

Mr Brennan is demanding the right to claim exemplary damages - punitive charges levied when the defendant's wrong is deliberate, malicious or negligent - on top of the cumulative cost of the fees.

He says that while the bank charged him £38 for every refused direct debit or standing order, he has evidence that the cost of dealing with these was no more than £2.50.

Speaking after today's session, Mr Brennan said he was "massively disappointed".

He added: "It should be noted that any delay is going to assist the defendants because only six years of charges can be made.

"Every day that passes, more money is being saved by the bank."

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