WCC v Steer [2019] EWHC 1874 (QB) (15 July 2019)

WCC v Steer [2019] EWHC 1874 (QB) (15 July 2019)

Claimant established, on balance of probabilities, that Defendant sexually abused her on seven occasions, causing significant psychiatric injury including PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and sexual dysfunction. Defendant's denials and allegations of fabrication were rejected as implausible. Damages assessed based on psychiatric evidence and relevant guidelines.

Citation
[2019] EWHC 1874 (QB)
Parties
Claimant: WCC; Defendant: Allan Steer
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
15 July 2019
Procedural Posture
Civil Claim for Damages / Judgment After Trial on Liability and Quantum
Outcome
Judgment for Claimant
Legal Topics
Sexual Abuse, Psychiatric Injury, Aggravated Damages, Assessment of Damages, Credibility, Causation
Tort Personal Injury Civil Procedure Sexual Abuse Psychiatric Injury Aggravated Damages Assessment of Damages Credibility +1 more

Case Brief

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Parties

WCC

Claimant

Allan Steer

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Claim for Damages / Judgment After Trial on Liability and Quantum

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Extent of sexual abuse by Defendant
  2. 2 Causation of psychiatric injury
  3. 3 Assessment of damages

Ratio Decidendi

Claimant established, on balance of probabilities, that Defendant sexually abused her on seven occasions, causing significant psychiatric injury including PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and sexual dysfunction. Defendant's denials and allegations of fabrication were rejected as implausible. Damages assessed based on psychiatric evidence and relevant guidelines.

Court Disposition

Judgment for Claimant

Orders

  • Defendant to pay Claimant £79,755 in damages
  • Defendant to pay Claimant's costs, subject to detailed assessment if not agreed