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DUBLIN - U2's Bono finally found what he was looking for today after winning a drawn-out legal battle to get his hat and trousers back from a former stylist with the band.
In a case that stretched the credulity of even the most fervent fan, U2 sued Lola Cashman last year for the return of mementoes she said had been given as presents when she worked with them in the 1980s.
The disputed items included trousers, a Stetson hat and earrings worn by singer Bono during U2's 1987 Joshua Tree tour, along with photographs and, bizarrely, a Christmas decoration.
Cashman, whose unauthorised biography of the band claimed Bono was obsessed by his weight and height, went back to court last month in a bid to overturn an order to return the items.
However, the end of what was dubbed "the Battle of Little Big Trousers" by one Irish newspaper came today when a High Court judge reaffirmed the previous ruling and said he was satisfied the souvenirs -- with an estimated value of €5,000 ($9,721) -- remained the property of the band.
During the appeal Bono, a prominent anti-poverty campaigner, praised Cashman's work, saying that before her arrival he had looked like Greek songstress Nana Mouskouri.
However, he maintained he would not have given Cashman the items, which he said had iconic status.
For her part, Cashman -- who attempted unsuccessfully to sell the memorabilia at an auction in 2002 -- said Bono had "plonked" the cowboy hat on her head while dancing about in his underwear backstage after a concert in Arizona.
In his ruling today the judge emphasised his decision was down to "the balance of probability" and that he did not believe Cashman was "deliberately being untruthful".
In a statement U2 said it was relieved a case it had taken only with "great reluctance" was over and that it wished Cashman well in the future.
It said that under the judgement it was entitled to recover substantial costs from Cashman but would not be seeking them.
Also among the disputed items were a green sweatshirt, rosary beads, videos and two mugs.
- REUTERS
