HOWARD FIELD v GIOVANNI DEL VECCHIO

HOWARD FIELD v GIOVANNI DEL VECCHIO

The defendant was properly served with the contempt application and was aware of the court orders. He deliberately refused to comply with the orders by denying access and failing to deliver up the estate artwork. The evidence satisfies the court to the criminal standard that the defendant is in contempt of court for breaching the orders.

Parties
Claimant: Howard Field (as administrator of the estate of Douglas Field, deceased); Defendant: Giovanni Del Vecchio
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
25 March 2022
Procedural Posture
Contempt of Court Application (civil) / Judgment on Committal Application; Sentencing Deferred
Outcome
Defendant found in contempt of court; sentencing deferred.
Legal Topics
Personal Service of Court Documents, Committal for Contempt, Enforcement of Court Orders, Probate Administration
Civil Procedure Contempt of Court Probate Personal Service of Court Documents Committal for Contempt Enforcement of Court Orders Probate Administration

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Parties

Howard Field (as administrator of the estate of Douglas Field, deceased)

Claimant

Giovanni Del Vecchio

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Contempt of Court Application (civil) / Judgment on Committal Application; Sentencing Deferred

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the defendant was properly served with the contempt application
  2. 2 Whether the defendant breached court orders for delivery up of estate property
  3. 3 Whether the defendant is in contempt of court for non-compliance with court orders

Ratio Decidendi

The defendant was properly served with the contempt application and was aware of the court orders. He deliberately refused to comply with the orders by denying access and failing to deliver up the estate artwork. The evidence satisfies the court to the criminal standard that the defendant is in contempt of court for breaching the orders.

Court Disposition

Defendant found in contempt of court; sentencing deferred.

Orders

  • Bench warrant issued for the arrest of the defendant/respondent, Mr Del Vecchio.
  • Sentencing hearing adjourned for six weeks with liberty to apply for earlier hearing if circumstances change.