HCE v UEH & Anor

The claimant demonstrated a strongly arguable case for breach of confidence and potential blackmail attempt by the first defendant, who unlawfully accessed and retained confidential information. Damages would not be an adequate remedy, and the balance of convenience favoured granting interim relief, including delivery up or destruction of the data. The requirements for interim mandatory relief were satisfied.

Parties: Claimant: HCE; First Defendant: UEH; Second Defendant: UEH Limited
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 01 December 2026
Procedural Posture: Interim Application / Interim Non Disclosure Order Application
Outcome: Interim non-disclosure order granted in favour of the claimant.
Legal Topics: Breach of Confidence, Data Breach, Blackmail, Anonymity Orders, Interim Injunctions

Confidentiality Data Protection Interim Relief Breach of Confidence Data Breach Blackmail Anonymity Orders Interim Injunctions

Case Brief

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Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 6 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 1

Parties

HCE

Claimant

UEH

First Defendant

UEH Limited

Second Defendant

Procedural Posture

Interim Application / Interim Non Disclosure Order Application

Legal Issues

1 Whether the claimant is entitled to interim non-disclosure relief against the defendants for alleged unlawful access and retention of confidential information
2 Whether the conduct of the first defendant amounts to a breach of confidence and/or blackmail attempt
3 Whether the balance of convenience and adequacy of damages justify interim relief

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

Interim non-disclosure order granted in favour of the claimant.

Orders

Defendants to deliver up or destroy the confidential information obtained from the claimant's systems.
Anonymity granted to both claimant and defendants.