Greenpeace's solicitor Razi Mireskandari told Mr Justice Morland at the High Court that in the last few days of its campaign, Greenpeace made an error in taking samples of oil from the Brent Spar.

BBC: apologises to Greenpeace

Samples of the oil have also been sent for testing to try and trace its source.

BBC: Oil taking toll on sea birds

Mr Rich had brought along some samples of his new invention, a concoction of soy-oil shortening, isolated soya protein, corn syrup and water, in the hopes of persuading them that this could taste as yummy, and whip as lightly, as heavy cream.

ECONOMIST: Robert Rich