A TOP judge made a bizarre reference to Warrington Wolves while ruling on a case in the High Court.

Judge David Hodge delivered the outcome of a dispute between Wigan Borough Council and property developer Scullindale Global on Thursday, April 1.

In doing so, he compared the dispute about the terms of a property lease by comparing it to theoretical scores in rugby league and football matches.

Ruling in favour of the council, the judge said: “For followers of Wigan Warriors, I would adjudge the final score to be in the order of 20-6 to the council.

“Followers of Warrington Wolves may have reason to recall that score.”

This appears to be a reference to a relatively inconsequential Super League clash between the Wire and their fierce rivals at the DW Stadium in August 2019, which Wigan won 20-6.

Judge Hodge then added in his 33,000-word written ruling: “For followers of the Latics, Wigan Athletic FC to the incognisant, the score is probably in the order of 4-1 to the council.”

This ruling followed a hearing before the High Court in Manchester earlier this year which centred on the fate of Haigh Hall, a stately home built in the 1800s by the 7th Earl of Balcarres.

Council bosses had given planning permission for the premises to be converted into a hotel nearly six years ago.

A lease was then granted to Scullindale Global around five years.

But the company subsequently failed to achieve a ‘milestone’ relating to the completion of refurbishment and redevelopment of the historic hall.

Lawyers representing the local authority argued that a clause meant that it was entitled to terminate the lease and re-acquire the hall as a result, leading to the legal dispute.