>> Point is that, under UK consumer law at least, you sign to say a package has been received, not that it's in any given condition or free from damage. <<
I find that very hard to believe. With all the rules and regulations the U.K. has (not that we don't have as many or more) it is inconceivable to me that Consumer Law does not address this.
I don't know how Jon shipped the parcel, but:
Mail
EDITED: 16 Mar 2015 15:45 by FIXRMAN