Raggett v The Society of Jesus Trust 1929 for Roman Catholic Purposes & Anor [2012] EWHC 3132 (QB) (09 November 2012)

Raggett v The Society of Jesus Trust 1929 for Roman Catholic Purposes & Anor [2012] EWHC 3132 (QB) (09 November 2012)

The claimant suffered significant psychiatric injury as a result of sustained sexual abuse by Father Spencer, but the evidence does not support the claim that all subsequent personal and professional difficulties, including loss of a legal career and substantial earnings, were caused by the abuse. Damages are awarded for psychiatric injury and related therapy, but not for the full claimed loss of earnings as an equity partner.

Citation
[2012] EWHC 3132
Parties
Claimant: Patrick Raggett; First Defendant: The Society of Jesus Trust 1929 for Roman Catholic Purposes; Second Defendant: Governors of Preston Catholic College
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
09 November 2012
Procedural Posture
Personal Injury Claim for Damages Arising From Sexual Abuse / Quantum of Damages (assessment of Causation and Quantum After Liability Judgment)
Outcome
Claim allowed in part; damages awarded for psychiatric injury and therapy costs, but not for full loss of earnings as claimed.
Legal Topics
Sexual Abuse, Vicarious Liability, Limitation of Actions, Causation of Psychiatric Injury, Assessment of Damages
Tort Law Personal Injury Limitation Sexual Abuse Vicarious Liability Limitation of Actions Causation of Psychiatric Injury Assessment of Damages

Case Brief

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Parties

Patrick Raggett

Claimant

The Society of Jesus Trust 1929 for Roman Catholic Purposes

First Defendant

Governors of Preston Catholic College

Second Defendant

Procedural Posture

Personal Injury Claim for Damages Arising From Sexual Abuse / Quantum of Damages (assessment of Causation and Quantum After Liability Judgment)

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the claimant suffered lasting psychiatric injury as a result of the abuse
  2. 2 Whether the abuse caused loss of earnings and career loss
  3. 3 Extent of damages recoverable for psychiatric injury and consequential losses

Ratio Decidendi

The claimant suffered significant psychiatric injury as a result of sustained sexual abuse by Father Spencer, but the evidence does not support the claim that all subsequent personal and professional difficulties, including loss of a legal career and substantial earnings, were caused by the abuse. Damages are awarded for psychiatric injury and related therapy, but not for the full claimed loss of earnings as an equity partner.

Court Disposition

Claim allowed in part; damages awarded for psychiatric injury and therapy costs, but not for full loss of earnings as claimed.

Orders

  • Defendants to pay damages for psychiatric injury and therapy costs to the claimant.
  • Claim for loss of earnings as equity partner dismissed.