GJE & Anor v SLE [2022] EWHC 1592 (QB) (21 June 2022)

GJE & Anor v SLE [2022] EWHC 1592 (QB) (21 June 2022)

The Claimants are likely to succeed at trial on their claim for misuse of private information, as they have a reasonable expectation of privacy regarding their sexual affair and face serious consequences if disclosure occurs. The Defendant's conduct amounts to harassment, but jurisdictional doubts exist as to harassment experienced outside the UK. Interim injunctive relief is necessary to prevent irreparable harm, and privacy measures are justified to protect the Claimants' rights.

Citation
[2022] EWHC 1592 (QB)
Parties
Claimant: GJE; Claimant: FJV; Defendant: SLE
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
21 June 2022
Procedural Posture
Civil (queen's Bench Division, Media and Communications List) / Interim Application for Injunction and Privacy Measures at Return Date Hearing
Outcome
Interim injunction and privacy measures granted; Defendant restrained from contacting Claimants or disclosing information pending final determination.
Legal Topics
Misuse of Private Information, Interim Injunctions, Anonymity Orders, Protection From Harassment Act 1997, Article 8 ECHR, Section 12 Human Rights Act 1998
Privacy Law Harassment Law Civil Procedure Misuse of Private Information Interim Injunctions Anonymity Orders Protection From Harassment Act 1997 Article 8 ECHR +1 more

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Parties

GJE

Claimant

FJV

Claimant

SLE

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil (queen's Bench Division, Media and Communications List) / Interim Application for Injunction and Privacy Measures at Return Date Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Claimants are entitled to interim injunctive relief restraining the Defendant from disclosing private information and from harassment
  2. 2 Whether privacy and anonymity measures should continue
  3. 3 Whether the court should proceed in the Defendant's absence

Ratio Decidendi

The Claimants are likely to succeed at trial on their claim for misuse of private information, as they have a reasonable expectation of privacy regarding their sexual affair and face serious consequences if disclosure occurs. The Defendant's conduct amounts to harassment, but jurisdictional doubts exist as to harassment experienced outside the UK. Interim injunctive relief is necessary to prevent irreparable harm, and privacy measures are justified to protect the Claimants' rights.

Court Disposition

Interim injunction and privacy measures granted; Defendant restrained from contacting Claimants or disclosing information pending final determination.

Orders

  • Defendant restrained from attempting to contact Claimants and their families.
  • Defendant restrained from disclosing or threatening to disclose private information about the Claimants.