Embattled millionaire Levi Roots
REGGAE Reggae sauce tycoon Levi Roots has admitted spicing up claims about the recipe.
It was NOT handed down by his gran as he claimed, a court heard.
And it was NOT the taste of Notting Hill Carnival for several years, as the sauce bottle label states.
The ex-reggae star, 53, who won £50,000 of investment for his relish on TV’s Dragons’ Den in 2007, told the High Court in London he used a basic recipe to try to recreate his grandma’s jerk chicken seasoning. But he denied he stole it from pal Tony Bailey.
A jubiant Tony Bailey
The pair ran a Caribbean food stall at the West London carnival for 15 years. But they did not sell the sauce there, the court heard.
Ian Glen, QC, representing Mr Bailey, said: “You’re a bare-face liar aren’t you, Mr Roots.” Roots — real name Keith Valentine Graham — said it was a marketing ploy.
Roots, who has made millions since his appearance on the BBC2 show, is being sued for more than £600,000 by Bailey, 52, and financial adviser Sylvester Williams.
They claim the three had made a business agreement to launch it together.
Roots denies their claims. The hearing continues.
By ANDY CRICK [email protected]
Check out and LIKE our Jamaica Facebook page here
We provide news and information for anyone interested in the Caribbean whether you’re UK based, European based or located in the Caribbean. New fresh ideas are always welcome with opportunities for bright writers.
