I was about to join those who say above that one newspaper source isn't enough but I see that this affair was also reported in the northern press so it's getting better but it would still be nice to see some more confirmations.
As to who is footing the O's legal bill I understand that it is being met, or of course in the light of this thread not being met, by a group of northern land scammers ( aka phecking "developopers bast'rds").