The long-awaited decision in Hammonds’ profits dispute has ruled that a group of ex-partners are bound by the partnership deed, a decision which could see them forced to return over-drawings that were paid out to them.

The judgment by Mr Justice Warren, which was released today (13 February), revealed that the ex-partners, who have so far refused to pay back anticipated profits over a two-year period to April 2005, are bound by the partnership deed.