Tom Bower on the grounds of the story being "substantially true". The action was heard in July 2009 and Desmond lost the case. An unauthorised biography by Bower of Richard Desmond, titled "Rough Trader", was written and printed in 2006, but still awaits publication. In 2011 Bower published a biography of the Formula One executive Bernie Ecclestone titled "No Angel: The Secret Life of Bernie Ecclestone." Ecclestone cooperated with Bower in the writing of the book, facilitating introductions to people for Bower. Over lunch Ecclestone told Bower "You write what you like, provided it's more or less the truth, because I'm no
Richard Desmond was alleged Desmond had ordered to be written. This claim of a weakening of Desmond's "super-tough" reputation as a businessman was viewed as defamation by Desmond. Bower denied libel on the grounds of the story being "substantially true". The following day, the presiding judge The Hon. Mr Justice Eady, discharged the jury as "fundamental" evidence and legal submissions had emerged. The new jury later found in favour of Bower. A biography of Desmond, "Rough Trader", was written by Bower and printed in 2006, but still awaits publication. In July 2010, Desmond bought the UK terrestrial-television channel Channel 5, which was