WCC v Steer

WCC v Steer

The Claimant established, on the balance of probabilities, that she was sexually abused by the Defendant on seven occasions, not just the two for which criminal convictions exist. The psychiatric evidence, unchallenged, attributes significant mental injury including PTSD to the Defendant's conduct. Damages are assessed based on Judicial College Guidelines, with aggravated damages awarded due to Defendant's conduct and denial.

Parties
Claimant: WCC; Defendant: Allan Steer
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
15 July 2019
Procedural Posture
Civil / Judgment After Trial on Liability and Damages
Outcome
Judgment for Claimant
Legal Topics
Sexual Assault, Psychiatric Injury, Damages Assessment, Aggravated Damages, Credibility, Causation
Tort Personal Injury Sexual Abuse Sexual Assault Psychiatric Injury Damages Assessment Aggravated Damages Credibility +1 more

Case Brief

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Parties

WCC

Claimant

Allan Steer

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Judgment After Trial on Liability and Damages

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Defendant committed sexual abuse beyond the counts for which he was convicted
  2. 2 Extent of psychiatric injury attributable to Defendant's conduct
  3. 3 Appropriate quantum of damages including aggravated damages

Ratio Decidendi

The Claimant established, on the balance of probabilities, that she was sexually abused by the Defendant on seven occasions, not just the two for which criminal convictions exist. The psychiatric evidence, unchallenged, attributes significant mental injury including PTSD to the Defendant's conduct. Damages are assessed based on Judicial College Guidelines, with aggravated damages awarded due to Defendant's conduct and denial.

Court Disposition

Judgment for Claimant

Orders

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