Plaintiffs Peter and
Grace Leeson were represented by Randy Erlewine.
Two patrons of Harry Denton's Bar & Grill have won a $2.1 million dollar verdict against business associates of Denton in the wake of a skirmish at the
Financial District watering hole.
According to Erlewine, the Leesons claimed that following a New Year's Eve party at the restaurant several years ago, Denton threw a glass of water at Grace Leeson,
sparking a confrontation that culminated with Peter Leeson's beating at the hands of six security guards employed by The Kimpton Group, a partner in the establishment.
In Leeson v. Steuart Street Venture
, 964778, the Leesons sued Denton, The Kimpton Revocable Trust and others involved in the restaurant.
On July 14, a San Francisco Superior Court jury found for the Leesons on their claims of battery,
negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The panel awarded compensatory damages of $36,500 to Grace Leeson and $1.9 million to Peter Leeson, though his award was reduced 15 percent for his own
contributory negligence. Four days later, the jury awarded Grace Leeson $141,000 in punitive damages.
-Josh Norem
