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 court found that the claimant suffered significant psychological effects as a result of the abuse, but did not accept that all of his subsequent personal and professional difficulties, including the loss of his legal career and substantial future earnings, were caused by the abuse. The claimant's evidence was inconsistent and unreliable in key respects, and there were significant pre-existing family and personality factors. Damages were awarded for the psychiatric injury and therapy costs, but not for the full loss of earnings claimed.

Citation
[2012] EWHC 3132 (QB)
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 (following Earlier Findings on Limitation and Liability)
Outcome
Claim allowed in part
Legal Topics
Sexual Abuse, Vicarious Liability, Limitation Period, Causation of Psychiatric Injury, Assessment of Damages
Tort Law Personal Injury Limitation Sexual Abuse Vicarious Liability Limitation Period 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 (following Earlier Findings on Limitation and Liability)

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the claimant suffered lasting psychiatric damage as a result of the abuse
  2. 2 Whether the abuse caused loss of earnings and career detriment
  3. 3 Whether the claimant's personal and professional difficulties were caused by the abuse or by unrelated personality traits and family background

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the claimant suffered significant psychological effects as a result of the abuse, but did not accept that all of his subsequent personal and professional difficulties, including the loss of his legal career and substantial future earnings, were caused by the abuse. The claimant's evidence was inconsistent and unreliable in key respects, and there were significant pre-existing family and personality factors. Damages were awarded for the psychiatric injury and therapy costs, but not for the full loss of earnings claimed.

Court Disposition

Claim allowed in part

Orders

  • Damages awarded for psychiatric injury and therapy costs
  • Claim for full loss of earnings as equity partner refused