Batey v Jewson Ltd & Anor

Batey v Jewson Ltd & Anor

The assignment, when construed in its commercial context and background, was intended to transfer Starlcroft’s right of action against Jewson to Mr Batey, not merely the proceeds. The Recorder erred by construing the assignment without sufficient regard to its practical purpose and relevant evidence.

Parties
Appellant: Barry Batey; First Respondent: Jewson Limited; Second Respondent / Third Party: Palgrove Brown UK Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
29 January 2008
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Appeal From Preliminary Issue Decision
Outcome
Appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Assignment of Rights, Interpretation of Contracts, Prohibition of Assignment, Set Off and Counterclaim

Case Brief

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Parties

Barry Batey

Appellant

Jewson Limited

First Respondent

Palgrove Brown UK Limited

Second Respondent / Third Party

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Appeal From Preliminary Issue Decision

  1. 1 Whether the document dated 8 April 2002 was a valid assignment of a right of action or merely of the proceeds of an action
  2. 2 Whether the assignment was effective in light of a contractual prohibition on assignment without consent

Ratio Decidendi

The assignment, when construed in its commercial context and background, was intended to transfer Starlcroft’s right of action against Jewson to Mr Batey, not merely the proceeds. The Recorder erred by construing the assignment without sufficient regard to its practical purpose and relevant evidence.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed

Orders

  • Order of the Recorder set aside
  • Counterclaim restored