Essex FM presenter Martin Day is being sued after he crashlanded his microlight aircraft at Southend Airport.

The DJ, who shot to TV stardom in the docu-drama Lakesiders, is facing legal action from his former friend Martin Richardson.

The pal, who part-owned the aircraft, claims he was not adequately compensated for his loss.

But Mr Day says all the risks were known by Mr Richardson - including the fact that the microlight had no insurance - and he has made goodwill payments following the accident.

Mr Richardson, 33, a Canvey-based vehicle salvage dismantler, states in a writ he paid £2,000 for part ownership of the microlight - and paid £300 for a flight permit.

Days later it was written off by the breakfast show presenter.

Mr Richardson said: "He had a microlight valued at about £4,500. I parted with the cash, checked it and had test flown it.

"He took the aircraft and decided to fly with someone else. He flew it and on landing he nose-dived it.

"He has paid me £600. I want all my money back - £2,000 plus £300 for the servicing of the aircraft, £1,000 of solicitor's fees and interest as well."

He added: "I was a personal friend of his and that's what makes it even worse."

In reply, Mr Day says the original cost of the aircraft was about £6,000.

He added: "We didn't insure it because it didn't legally require insurance. I decided to give Martin part of his money back and he gave me nothing. If it is a 50-50 share, where is my share?

"He was fully aware it wasn't insured. The aircraft actually cost me just over £6,000. I didn't want to lose it, but it happened.

"He got £600 back. I can't see why he expects me to refund him - that wasn't the agreement, to refund all of the money back to each other if there was an accident."

Crash - Martin Day

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