A retired academic is facing a huge legal bill after being sued by a Christian sect for breaching its copyright.
Dr Ian McKay, former lecturer at University of Glasgow, settled out of court with two groups linked to the Exclusive Brethren, which sued him for £280,000 for attempting to publicise its membership, activities and rules.
Documents he published included a list of places where members should not go, including the newsagent, cinema, football and cricket matches, bars, restaurants, hotels, fireworks displays, swimming pools, universities or the zoo.
Dr McKay, 75, who left the Brethren in the ’60s, had been part of an online effort by some former members to throw light on the group.
Supporters raised more than £20,000 for legal fees, but his final costs are expected to be more than £50,000.
Fundraiser Jill Aebi-Mytton said: “This whole business has put Ian and his family under horrendous strain.”
On Friday, both Brethren-linked groups said that the matter had been settled.
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