Raggett v The Society of Jesus Trust 1929 for Roman Catholic Purposes & Anor

Raggett v The Society of Jesus Trust 1929 for Roman Catholic Purposes & Anor

The claimant suffered psychological effects from sexual abuse for approximately eight years, but the abuse did not cause enduring personality change or lasting psychiatric disorder. Subsequent career and relationship difficulties were attributable to harmful alcohol use and narcissistic personality traits, not the abuse. Damages awarded only for pain, suffering, loss of amenity, and reasonable therapy costs post-2005.

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 / Quantum of Damages Judgment
Outcome
Judgment for claimant on quantum; damages limited to pain, suffering, loss of amenity, and therapy costs.
Legal Topics
Sexual Abuse, Limitation, Causation, Quantum of Damages, Psychiatric Harm, Loss of Earnings
Tort Personal Injury Psychiatric Injury Sexual Abuse Limitation Causation Quantum of Damages Psychiatric Harm +1 more

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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 / Quantum of Damages Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the claimant suffered lasting psychiatric damage as a result of sexual abuse
  2. 2 Whether the abuse caused loss of earnings and career detriment
  3. 3 Whether the claimant is entitled to damages for pain, suffering, loss of amenity, and special damages

Ratio Decidendi

The claimant suffered psychological effects from sexual abuse for approximately eight years, but the abuse did not cause enduring personality change or lasting psychiatric disorder. Subsequent career and relationship difficulties were attributable to harmful alcohol use and narcissistic personality traits, not the abuse. Damages awarded only for pain, suffering, loss of amenity, and reasonable therapy costs post-2005.

Court Disposition

Judgment for claimant on quantum; damages limited to pain, suffering, loss of amenity, and therapy costs.

Orders

  • Award of £40,000 for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
  • Award of £10,579.03 for special damages (therapy and associated travel)