Bonnier Books UK Group Holdings Ltd v Johnson [2021] EWHC 1789 (QB) (30 June 2021)

Mr Johnson was in deliberate breach of clear court orders with penal notice, having failed to comply within the specified deadlines and only belatedly submitting a witness statement. The procedural requirements for committal were satisfied, and contempt was proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Citation: [2021] EWHC 1789
Parties: Claimant/applicant: Bonnier Books UK Group Holdings Limited; Defendant/respondent: Richard Marcus Johnson
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 30 June 2021
Procedural Posture: Contempt of Court Applications (civil) / Post Default Judgment, Contempt Hearing
Outcome: Contempt of court established; order for further written explanation and costs awarded.
Legal Topics: Contempt of Court, Injunctions, Default Judgment, Compliance With Court Orders, Costs Assessment

Civil Procedure Media Law Employment Law Contempt of Court Injunctions Default Judgment Compliance With Court Orders Costs Assessment

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Parties

Bonnier Books UK Group Holdings Limited

Claimant/applicant

Richard Marcus Johnson

Defendant/respondent

Procedural Posture

Contempt of Court Applications (civil) / Post Default Judgment, Contempt Hearing

Legal Issues

1 Whether Mr Johnson committed contempt of court by failing to comply with court orders
2 Whether the procedural requirements for committal were satisfied
3 Appropriate consequences for contempt

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

Contempt of court established; order for further written explanation and costs awarded.

Orders

Mr Johnson to file a signed written statement explaining reasons for non-compliance and any mitigating factors within 7 days.
Mr Johnson permitted to apply for extension of time before deadline.