Multi-millionaire Brian Maccaba has lost his High Court slander action in Britain against a senior rabbi over alleged sexual slurs.
During what became known as the "Indecent Proposal" case - echoing the plot of the Hollywood film starring Robert Redford - he had accused Dayan Yaakov Lichtenstein of spreading "poisonous" allegations that he was a "sexual predator" and "serial adulterer" who chased after young married Jewish women.
Rabbi Lichtenstein (49), a father of eight, from Cricklewood, north west London, the senior judge (Dayan) in the Beth Din or rabbinical court of the Federation of Synagogues, denied slandering Mr Maccaba within the orthodox community in early 2001.
The case, which lasted for 41 days spread over two months, became the longest-running slander action in English legal history.
After nearly 32 hours of deliberations spread across six days the jury yesterday returned 10 to 1 majority verdicts which resulted in Mr Maccaba losing his claims of slander and harassment.
Dublin-born Mr Maccaba (46), who now faces costs of more than £2 million, said in a statement later: "I brought this case only after trying so very hard to have my complaints against Dayan Lichtenstein heard within the Jewish community.
"I am naturally very disappointed that we have not succeeded in convincing the court of my case in slander and harassment against Dayan Lichtenstein."
Mr Maccaba, a twice-married father of six, from Hendon, north London, the chief executive officer and founder of international technology company Cognotec, added: "I am consulting with my legal team with regard to an appeal, and in the meantime I can get back to my business and my wonderful family."
He had vehemently denied defence claims that he offered family friend Alain Attar $1 million for his wife, Nathalie, and sexually harassed her twice.
Outside court, a jubilant Rabbi Lichtenstein said: "First of all, I want to thank God almighty for today's victory.
"It's a victory for the Torah, the truth and morality. It is also a victory for clergy worldwide."
He thanked "the thousands of Jews worldwide" who had prayed for him and the many friends who had supported him throughout this "horrible nightmare".
"I did not choose to be sued and live with this case for the last three-and-a-half years.
"Thankfully this matter is now at an end. I intend to return to my communal duties and my community."
Accompanied by his wife, Rina, who has been at his side throughout the case, he added: "And I want to thank the real heroine, Nathalie Attar, who has been vindicated."
Mrs Attar, who is three weeks away from giving birth and now lives in Jerusalem, said in a statement: "I am delighted for Dayan Lichtenstein at the outcome of this case.
"The Dayan was the only person who stood up for me and my family, and I am sorry that he had to go through such a difficult time because of it.
"My husband and I are happy that this hard time is now over for us. We look forward to focusing on our future. We are pleased that justice has been done."