AAA plc & Ors v Persons Unknown [2021] EWHC 2529 (QB) (20 September 2021)

AAA plc & Ors v Persons Unknown [2021] EWHC 2529 (QB) (20 September 2021)

The court found compelling evidence of blackmail and unlawful means conspiracy, with threats to publish defamatory material unless paid. Anonymity and a private hearing were necessary to prevent further harm and secure justice. The claimants were likely to establish at trial that publication should not be allowed, and damages would not be an adequate remedy. Interim injunctive relief was therefore granted.

Citation
[2021] EWHC 2529 (QB)
Parties
Claimant: AAA plc; Claimant: BBB Limited; Claimant: CCC Limited; Claimant: DDD plc; Claimant: EEE Limited; Defendant: Persons Unknown
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
20 September 2021
Procedural Posture
Interim Injunction Application (without Notice) / Interim Relief Granted Pending Inter Partes Hearing
Outcome
Interim injunction granted pending inter partes hearing
Legal Topics
Interim Injunctions, Blackmail, Unlawful Means Conspiracy, Freedom of Expression, Anonymity Orders, Open Justice, Service Without Notice
Civil Procedure Media Law Tort Law Interim Injunctions Blackmail Unlawful Means Conspiracy Freedom of Expression Anonymity Orders +2 more

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Parties

AAA plc

Claimant

BBB Limited

Claimant

CCC Limited

Claimant

DDD plc

Claimant

EEE Limited

Claimant

Persons Unknown

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Interim Injunction Application (without Notice) / Interim Relief Granted Pending Inter Partes Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether interim injunctive relief should be granted to restrain publication and blackmail
  2. 2 Whether anonymity and private hearing orders are justified
  3. 3 Whether service without notice is permissible in the circumstances

Ratio Decidendi

The court found compelling evidence of blackmail and unlawful means conspiracy, with threats to publish defamatory material unless paid. Anonymity and a private hearing were necessary to prevent further harm and secure justice. The claimants were likely to establish at trial that publication should not be allowed, and damages would not be an adequate remedy. Interim injunctive relief was therefore granted.

Court Disposition

Interim injunction granted pending inter partes hearing

Orders

  • Anonymity order for claimants
  • Private hearing order