A DISABLED reality TV star has begun legal action against two councils after they stormed his home during a 12-man raid and took personal data from his computer.
Malvern farmer Craig Walsh, who runs luxury dog kennels from Lucies Farm at Colletts Green, says he feels “persecuted” by Malvern Hills District Council and Worcestershire County Council following the raid earlier this year.
The authorities were responding to complaints from a neighbour of Mr Walsh, who believed he was looking after more dogs at his kennels than his licence allowed.
According to Mr Walsh’s lawyers, the search warrant was invalid, meaning the officers entered his home illegally, and he is now suing the council for £125,000 in damages and £20,000 costs.
The councils said they cannot comment due to the ongoing legal action, but insist they acted within the law.
“Even if the warrant is legitimate it was only to allow them to inspect my business premises,” said Mr Walsh, who starred with wife Marjorie on the Channel Four show Personal Services Required.
“My home is completely separate, it’s a separate building.”
The raid was in January and the nine-month investigation in Mr Walsh’s business concluded last month with the announcement there was no case to answer.
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