On the face of it, David Bain has played the last hand in his ongoing bid to get compensation.

His High Court move seeking a judicial review of Justice Minister Judith Collins actions over the compo claim is a calculated gamble in a game where Ms Collins and the Cabinet hold most of the cards.

Legal experts believe that while Mr Bain – or perhaps more accurately his legally-aided minder and mouthpiece Joe Karam – may convince the court Ms Collins breached his rights to natural justice, it is likely the court would be reluctant to instruct her to pay compensation.