Teledyne UK Ltd v Mary Ensell & Anor

Teledyne UK Ltd v Mary Ensell & Anor

Defendants did not have actual knowledge of the Injunction Order before the protest; acquired knowledge at 7am during the protest but did not fully appreciate its seriousness. Their culpability was limited, harm caused was minor, and both expressed genuine remorse. Custody threshold was passed due to length of breach after knowledge, but custodial term suspended due to mitigation, lack of prior convictions, and protester bargain.

Parties
Claimant: Teledyne UK Limited; Defendant: Mary Ensell; Defendant: Harry Wade
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
27 August 2025
Procedural Posture
Contempt of Court Application / Sanctions Judgment
Outcome
Defendants found in contempt; custodial sentence imposed and suspended.
Legal Topics
Protest Injunctions, Sanctions for Contempt, Burden and Standard of Proof, Civil Disobedience, Suspended Sentences
Civil Procedure Contempt of Court Human Rights Protest Injunctions Sanctions for Contempt Burden and Standard of Proof Civil Disobedience Suspended Sentences

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Parties

Teledyne UK Limited

Claimant

Mary Ensell

Defendant

Harry Wade

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Contempt of Court Application / Sanctions Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Defendants had actual knowledge of the Injunction Order
  2. 2 Appropriate sanction for contempt of court
  3. 3 Burden and standard of proof for knowledge in contempt proceedings

Ratio Decidendi

Defendants did not have actual knowledge of the Injunction Order before the protest; acquired knowledge at 7am during the protest but did not fully appreciate its seriousness. Their culpability was limited, harm caused was minor, and both expressed genuine remorse. Custody threshold was passed due to length of breach after knowledge, but custodial term suspended due to mitigation, lack of prior convictions, and protester bargain.

Court Disposition

Defendants found in contempt; custodial sentence imposed and suspended.

Orders

  • 21 days imprisonment for each Defendant, suspended for 12 months from 29 July 2025, conditional on no further breaches of paragraphs 2(i)-2(vi) of the Injunction Order.
  • Suspension terms apply irrespective of any variation or discharge to the order of 25 July 2025.