Race-claim lawyer fights harassment conviction

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Dr Aisha Bijlani, 42, is taking her legal chambers, 4 New Square, to tribunal after alleging she was victimised and that she was overlooked for work, losing £7 million in earnings because she was Asian. She is also appealing against a 2007 conviction of harassment against a former boyfriend.

But yesterday a judge at Blackfriars crown court told her the case was a "storm in a tea cup" and questioned if it was worth pursuing due to the cost to the taxpayer.

Dr Bijlani was convicted in her absence of harassment dating back to 2004 and given a conditional discharge. Judge Deva Pillay said at yesterday's hearing he wanted the "trivial" matter concluded as soon as possible.

He said: "If this court is dealing with matters which originated in 2004 and it is nearly 2010, it's important that everybody gets some perspective on the cost to the public purse."

Dr Bijlani's appeal was adjourned until 17 May and the hearing is expected to last four days.