Used the typical farmer method and threw the tyre into a water tank, found a tiny pinprick on the top of the sidewall where it meets the tread, I seem to remember having a sidewall puncture before and the tyre place refusing to mend it saying it was too dangerous 
OK, technically, any sidewall damage is illegal to repair. However, if it is a nigh-on brand new tyre, and perfect in all other respects, then some other friendly tyre dealers might attempt a repair. Indeed, I have repaired some tyres in similar circumstances, but only after agreeing no invoice, no comback on me, and - only after establishing their driving style. If I ever had any doubts about either the tyre, or the driver - then I refused the repair.
So given i'll probably have to shell out for a new tyre after only 3 weeks, shall i stick with the dunlop sportmax's or go for one of the more highly recommended ones? given that after 1200 miles i wont be swapping in an axle pair!
Even though I think Dunlops are Satan's tyres

, I would strongly recommend sticking with matched pairs on axles.
Just a thought - give Dunlop UK a phone, and see if you can blag a freebie out of them - big it up to them, how marvelous their tyres are, and how surprised you are that such a new tyre has let you down . . . etc
