GML International Ltd & Ors, R (On the Application Of) v Harfield [2020] EWHC 2667 (QB) (15 September 2020)

GML International Ltd & Ors, R (On the Application Of) v Harfield [2020] EWHC 2667 (QB) (15 September 2020)

The defendant was aware of the freezing order and its requirements, was properly served, and deliberately failed to comply with asset disclosure and affidavit obligations. His conduct constitutes a serious, continuing contempt of court, justifying immediate committal to prison for nine months.

Citation
[2020] EWHC 2667
Parties
Claimant: GML International Ltd; Claimant: Stefan Paul Pinter; Claimant: Trident Fiduciaries (I.O.M.) Ltd (as trustees of the Berry Revocable Trust); Defendant: Jonathan Henry Martyn Harfield
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
15 September 2020
Procedural Posture
Committal Application (contempt of Court) / Judgment on Application for Committal for Contempt
Outcome
Application granted; defendant found in contempt of court.
Legal Topics
Freezing Injunctions, Asset Disclosure, Committal for Contempt, Enforcement of Judgments
Civil Procedure Contempt of Court Injunctions Freezing Injunctions Asset Disclosure Committal for Contempt Enforcement of Judgments

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Parties

GML International Ltd

Claimant

Stefan Paul Pinter

Claimant

Trident Fiduciaries (I.O.M.) Ltd (as trustees of the Berry Revocable Trust)

Claimant

Jonathan Henry Martyn Harfield

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Committal Application (contempt of Court) / Judgment on Application for Committal for Contempt

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the defendant is in contempt of court for failing to comply with asset disclosure and affidavit requirements under a freezing order
  2. 2 Whether the court should proceed in the defendant's absence
  3. 3 What sanction is appropriate for the contempt

Ratio Decidendi

The defendant was aware of the freezing order and its requirements, was properly served, and deliberately failed to comply with asset disclosure and affidavit obligations. His conduct constitutes a serious, continuing contempt of court, justifying immediate committal to prison for nine months.

Court Disposition

Application granted; defendant found in contempt of court.

Orders

  • Defendant Jonathan Henry Martyn Harfield committed to prison for nine months for contempt of court for failing to comply with paragraphs 7(1) and 8 of the freezing order.
  • Warrant for committal to be issued.