Jockey Club Racecourses Ltd v Persons Unknown & Ors [2024] EWHC 1786 (Ch) (09 July 2024)

Jockey Club Racecourses Ltd v Persons Unknown & Ors [2024] EWHC 1786 (Ch) (09 July 2024)

There remains a compelling risk of unlawful disruption and trespass by animal rights protesters at Epsom racecourse. The procedural and substantive requirements for a newcomers injunction are satisfied. No adequate alternative remedies exist. The injunction is necessary and proportionate, with appropriate safeguards, and does not unjustifiably infringe Article 10 or 11 rights.

Citation
[2024] EWHC 1786 (Ch)
Parties
Claimant: Jockey Club Racecourses Limited; Defendants: Persons Unknown (categories 2-8)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
09 July 2024
Procedural Posture
Part 8 Proceedings / Disposal Hearing for Continuation of Injunctive Relief
Outcome
Injunction granted against persons unknown for a period of five years, subject to annual review and further adjustments as necessary.
Legal Topics
Injunctions Against Persons Unknown, Trespass, Protest Law, Equitable Remedies
Civil Procedure Property Law Equity Injunctions Against Persons Unknown Trespass Protest Law Equitable Remedies

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Parties

Jockey Club Racecourses Limited

Claimant

Persons Unknown (categories 2-8)

Defendants

Procedural Posture

Part 8 Proceedings / Disposal Hearing for Continuation of Injunctive Relief

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether a newcomers injunction should be granted against persons unknown to restrain trespass and disruption at Epsom racecourse
  2. 2 Whether procedural and substantive requirements for such an injunction are satisfied
  3. 3 Interaction with Article 10 and Article 11 ECHR rights

Ratio Decidendi

There remains a compelling risk of unlawful disruption and trespass by animal rights protesters at Epsom racecourse. The procedural and substantive requirements for a newcomers injunction are satisfied. No adequate alternative remedies exist. The injunction is necessary and proportionate, with appropriate safeguards, and does not unjustifiably infringe Article 10 or 11 rights.

Court Disposition

Injunction granted against persons unknown for a period of five years, subject to annual review and further adjustments as necessary.

Orders

  • Injunction restraining persons unknown from trespassing and disrupting specified areas of Epsom racecourse during racing fixtures.
  • Territorial and temporal limits delineated by maps and plans.