Clyde & Co LLP & Anor v Christopher Kennedy

Clyde & Co LLP & Anor v Christopher Kennedy

The defendant's repeated, unwelcome attendances at the Birmingham office, filming staff without consent, posting material online, and persistent demands for compensation constituted a course of conduct amounting to harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. The conduct was oppressive and unacceptable, caused anxiety and distress, and was intended to pressure the claimants to act in ways they were not obliged to. Injunctive relief is necessary and proportionate to protect the claimants.

Parties
Claimant: Clyde & Co LLP; Claimant: Mr Julian Richard Berryman; Defendant: Mr Christopher Kennedy
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
20 May 2025
Procedural Posture
Civil / Final Judgment
Outcome
Claim proved; final injunction granted.
Legal Topics
Harassment, Injunctions, Protection From Harassment Act 1997
Civil Procedure Tort Harassment Injunctions Protection From Harassment Act 1997

Case Brief

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Parties

Clyde & Co LLP

Claimant

Mr Julian Richard Berryman

Claimant

Mr Christopher Kennedy

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the defendant's conduct amounted to harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997
  2. 2 Whether the claimants are entitled to injunctive relief
  3. 3 Whether the defendant's conduct was intended to persuade the claimants to act or omit to act as described in s1(1A)(c)

Ratio Decidendi

The defendant's repeated, unwelcome attendances at the Birmingham office, filming staff without consent, posting material online, and persistent demands for compensation constituted a course of conduct amounting to harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. The conduct was oppressive and unacceptable, caused anxiety and distress, and was intended to pressure the claimants to act in ways they were not obliged to. Injunctive relief is necessary and proportionate to protect the claimants.

Court Disposition

Claim proved; final injunction granted.

Orders

  • Defendant prohibited from attending at or near the Birmingham office, specifically the area up to the railings of Birmingham Cathedral Square as marked on a street map annexed to the order.
  • Defendant prohibited from communicating with the claimants except through a designated email account.