Da Vinci Code case 'foolish'

The authors who claim The Da Vinci Code stole ideas from their book are 'in danger of making fools of themselves', the publisher of both works told the High Court yesterday.

Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh, who wrote The Holy Blood And The Holy Grail, 'didn't have a leg to stand on', former Random House boss Patrick Janson-Smith said.

He added: 'I never thought to raise concerns about plagiarism.'

The authors are suing Random House, saying The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (pictured) breached their copyright.