A freelance journalist left fuming by what he claimed was an “outrageous” case of "plagiarism" has won a minor victory – but as yet no syndication fee.

Gethin Chamberlin, 49, was less than impressed to read an article on a English-language website in Holland named Fashion United, about sweat shops in Bangladesh which produce denim jeans on sale for only £5.99 in Lidl in the UK.

But it was not the conditions endured by workers making the garments which shocked Chamberlin; because he already very well informed about it. In fact, his detailed knowledge of labour practices in developing countries was what helped the seasoned former broadsheet correspondent to write an explainer article for the Observer about the reality of cheap clothes.