Craig Wright v Peter McCormack

Craig Wright v Peter McCormack

The Ontier report is admissible as evidence against Dr Wright due to ostensible authority and absence of grounds for exclusion; there is a prima facie case to answer for contempt, but public interest and proportionality do not justify continuation of proceedings.

Parties
Claimant: Craig Wright; Defendant: Peter McCormack
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
05 April 2023
Procedural Posture
Contempt Application / Third Hearing; Determination of Admissibility, Case to Answer, and Next Steps
Outcome
Summons discharged; proceedings ended
Legal Topics
Judgment Embargo, Admissibility of Evidence, Legal Professional Privilege, Right to Silence, Mens Rea and Actus Reus in Contempt, Proportionality in Proceedings
Civil Procedure Contempt of Court Judgment Embargo Admissibility of Evidence Legal Professional Privilege Right to Silence Mens Rea and Actus Reus in Contempt Proportionality in Proceedings

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Parties

Craig Wright

Claimant

Peter McCormack

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Contempt Application / Third Hearing; Determination of Admissibility, Case to Answer, and Next Steps

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Admissibility of the Ontier report as evidence
  2. 2 Whether Dr Wright has a case to answer for contempt
  3. 3 Authority and privilege regarding communications with legal representatives

Ratio Decidendi

The Ontier report is admissible as evidence against Dr Wright due to ostensible authority and absence of grounds for exclusion; there is a prima facie case to answer for contempt, but public interest and proportionality do not justify continuation of proceedings.

Court Disposition

Summons discharged; proceedings ended

Orders

  • No costs incurred in considering the material to be claimed as reserved costs
  • Material to be passed to RPC without delay; bundle, skeleton arguments, and written submissions only