Compensation for damage caused in filming

A local Rickmansworth businessman been awarded £79,000 after his home, which he rented out for a film starring Bond actor Daniel Craig, was damaged by a production company. Glen Haysman, of Rickmansworth, told the High Court that extensive damage was caused to the driveway and interior of the four-bedroomed property in 2007.

When he agreed to rent his £1.2million retro-style home for a film starring James Bond actor Daniel Craig, he stated in the contract with the production company that the home would be returned to him in 'exactly the same state in which they took it'.

However when returning to his semi-detached home he found the producers of the 1970s-set movie Flashbacks Of A Fool had left the house with a rutted driveway, damage to paintwork and wallpaper and the loss of an antique wine decanter stopper.

The 55-year-old businessman took the film's producers  - Mrs Rogers Films Ltd - to the High Court where a judge yesterday awarded Mr Haysman over £79,000 in compensation.

The court heard extensive damage, mainly to the driveway and bedrooms, required three weeks of remedial work.

Mr Haysman, managing director of Glen Windows and Doors, said this had affected his peace of mind and dented his pride in the appearance of his home, so that he had not felt able to host annual charity events.

Judge Sweeting awarded him £79,000 damages against Mrs Rogers Films Ltd - including more than £18,000 for repair work on his drive and over £53,000 to cover redecoration costs.

Mrs Rogers Films admitted liability for the damage, but disputed the amount of Mr Haysman's payout. The company argued, amongst other things, that the driveway was already less than perfect due to wear and tear caused whilst putting in Mr Haysman's hot tub.

The film company was ordered to pay the legal costs of the case, which run into tens of thousands of pounds.

The film which used Mr Hayman's property: Flashbacks Of A Fool was released to mixed reviews in April and tells the story of a fading Hollywood actor who starts recounting his youth after returning home to Britain for his best friend's funeral.