The Clash fought the law and the law won

The rock group the Clash sang a song entitled, "I fought the law" with the lyric, "I fought the law and the law won". And with an ironic twist the bands former manager, and ex wife of the lead singer, took her ex husband to court in order to free herself of her legal obligations. 

 

Tricia Ronane wanted to sell her rights to a share of the Clash's royalties for the sum of £5 million. The sale was blocked after her ex husband Paul Simonon objected and a judge subsequently agreed with his complaint.

 

As part of the couples divorce it was agreed that Miss Ronane would take a share in the bands future income. However despite their marriage lasting 18 years Miss Ronane has stated that having the band as a connection to her ex husband had become unbearable.

 

Mr Simons barrister, James Mather, argued that the sale of the rights to a third party business would potentially cause difficulties for his client in the future.

 

Judge Carson ruled that selling her share of the future income derived from the Clash, as a money making entity, would be "inconsistent and incompatible with the terms of their divorce settlement".

 

He then ruled that Miss Ronane should pay her own legal bills of £30,000, plus the £30,000 owed to Mr Simonons legal team, taking her total financial obligation to £60,000.

 

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