Property investor accused of shutting down criticism over £10,000 courses

Danny Butcher, an army reservist from Doncaster, killed himself after paying £13,000 for training with Property Investors. Photograph: Supplied

A property investor who runs courses costing upwards of £10,000 to help people become “financially free” has been accused of using his wealth and the UK’s claimant-friendly libel laws to shut down criticism of his methods.

Samuel Leeds’s solicitors’ Ellisons have issued legal proceedings or threats of lawsuits against at least 15 individuals or property websites that the Guardian is aware of.