nChain Holding AG (formerly HEH Holding AG) v Christen Ager-Hanssen

nChain Holding AG (formerly HEH Holding AG) v Christen Ager-Hanssen

The Defendant was aware of the relevant court orders, was properly served, and deliberately failed to comply with them. The breaches are serious, continuing, and prejudicial to the Claimant. The criminal standard of proof is met. An immediate custodial sentence is warranted.

Parties
Claimant: nChain Holding AG (formerly HEH Holding AG); Defendant: Christen Ager-Hanssen
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
21 May 2024
Procedural Posture
Committal Application (contempt of Court) / Judgment on Committal Application and Sentencing
Outcome
Defendant found in contempt of court; immediate custodial sentence imposed.
Legal Topics
Contempt of Court, Confidential Information, Compliance With Court Orders, Sanctions
Civil Procedure Commercial Law Contempt of Court Confidential Information Compliance With Court Orders Sanctions

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Parties

nChain Holding AG (formerly HEH Holding AG)

Claimant

Christen Ager-Hanssen

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Committal Application (contempt of Court) / Judgment on Committal Application and Sentencing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Defendant is in contempt of court for non-compliance with court orders regarding confidential information and delivery up of devices
  2. 2 Whether the court should proceed in the absence of the Defendant
  3. 3 Appropriate sanction for contempt

Ratio Decidendi

The Defendant was aware of the relevant court orders, was properly served, and deliberately failed to comply with them. The breaches are serious, continuing, and prejudicial to the Claimant. The criminal standard of proof is met. An immediate custodial sentence is warranted.

Court Disposition

Defendant found in contempt of court; immediate custodial sentence imposed.

Orders

  • Defendant sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment for breaches of Mr Justice Henshaw's order (concurrent sentences for two breaches).
  • Defendant sentenced to 4 months' imprisonment for breach of Mr Hollander KC's order (concurrent with above).