London Borough of Havering v Bowyer & Ors

The court found the third defendant guilty of contempt of court, being sure he knew the personal injury claim was fraudulent and took active steps to support it dishonestly, including making a false witness statement. The court rejected his evidence as not credible and found he was willing to lie to the court.

Parties: Claimant: London Borough of Havering; First Defendant: Mark Bowyer; Second Defendant: James Jones; Third Defendant: Richard Bowyer
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 26 July 2012
Procedural Posture: Application for Committal for Contempt of Court / Judgment on Liability (guilt) for Contempt; Sentencing Adjourned
Outcome: Third defendant found guilty of contempt of court; sentencing adjourned. First and second defendants admitted contempt; sentencing pending.
Legal Topics: Fraudulent Claims, False Statements, Conspiracy to Pervert the Course of Justice, Abuse of Process

Civil Procedure Personal Injury Contempt of Court Fraudulent Claims False Statements Conspiracy to Pervert the Course of Justice Abuse of Process

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Parties

London Borough of Havering

Claimant

Mark Bowyer

First Defendant

James Jones

Second Defendant

Richard Bowyer

Third Defendant

Procedural Posture

Application for Committal for Contempt of Court / Judgment on Liability (guilt) for Contempt; Sentencing Adjourned

Legal Issues

1 Whether the defendants, in particular the third defendant, are guilty of contempt of court by interfering with the administration of justice through fraudulent personal injury claims and false statements

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

Third defendant found guilty of contempt of court; sentencing adjourned. First and second defendants admitted contempt; sentencing pending.