Mediation took place in mid-October 2008. I received help through a charity called Law Works who put me in touch with a voluntary lawyer to enter mediation with me. Conor Dufficy was a trainee barrister and the kind of a breath of fresh air who enters your life occasionally and restores your faith in humanity. An even-tempered man with a lilting Irish accent, Conor was sharp, ethical, clever, and could see right through Standen.

He recognized the Davey and Goliath battle. Incredibly, he volunteered his time for free to help me.  Later down the line Conor would attend my trial at the Royal Court of Justice and congratulate me when I won.

Though I am not legally allowed to reveal details of the mediation I can say it was not successful.

But I met a great new friend who inspired me to believe that there are good people around. For the universe has a habit of offering hope in the form of human angels just when you've thought all was lost...