When Park Row Properties boss Paul Singleton received his regular Tesco grocery delivery on April 10, the van driver casually mentioned he had hurt his ankle jumping from his vehicle, but he thought no more about it.

But on Saturday he received a letter from Thornley Solicitors in Huddersfield stating their client was suing him over a personal injury sustained on his property.

Paul said: "I asked at the time if the driver was OK and he said he was, and I forgot all about it.

"Now he's claiming he was parked on my land instead of by the roadside – he's obviously seen a 'no win no fee' deal advertised and thinks it's easier or more worthwhile suing me than North Yorkshire Highways.

"He must be covered through Tesco as his employer, but I've made several calls and they won't discuss it with me. They're just not interested despite me being a loyal customer, who has spent a lot of money with them in the past. I won't be shopping with them again after this."

If the case goes against him, Paul could face a huge compensation and costs bill or be forced to pay higher home insurance premiums on all the properties in his portfolio.

He added: "I'm just so stunned and livid about the whole situation, and hope others will think more carefully before inviting companies to deliver to their home. Shoppers should remember something like this could just as easily happen to them."

Neither Tesco or Thornley Solicitors wished to comment on the case.