London - A judge ruled yesterday that the financial assets of Ms Nadine Milroy-Sloan, the woman who accused former Conservative minister, Mr Neil Hamilton and his wife, Christine, of sexually assaulting her, must remain frozen.
A college lecturer, Ms Milroy-Sloan (28), had challenged a freezing order made as a preliminary to a libel action brought against her by the Hamiltons.
Her move was rejected by Mr Justice Aikens at the High Court in London.
The Hamiltons' lawyers had argued that her assets - which include a house and a reported £45,000 she is being paid by the News of the World for her story - should be kept out of her reach.
They want the assets frozen so money is available to go towards any court award to them and legal costs.
The Hamiltons, who were in court to hear the ruling, were cleared of the assault allegations two days ago when police said there was no evidence against them. They say the libel action is not aimed at raising money but at clearing their names.