Wood & Ors v Fleming [2026] EWHC 490 (Ch) (26 January 2026)

Wood & Ors v Fleming [2026] EWHC 490 (Ch) (26 January 2026)

Sophie Fleming was found, beyond reasonable doubt, to have breached anti-harassment injunctions by failing to remove and continuing to publish online posts making unfounded allegations against the claimants and their legal representatives, constituting contempt of court. Procedural fairness was satisfied as she was aware of the proceedings, her rights, and chose not to participate. The seriousness and persistence of her conduct, its impact on the claimants and the administration of justice, and the inadequacy of a fine justified custodial sentences, suspended due to the impact on her children and practical enforcement issues.

Citation
[2026] EWHC 490 (Ch)
Parties
Claimant: Richard Wood; Claimant: Rebecca Ward; Claimant: Fiona Eugenie Lawrence; Claimant: Michelle Dawn Rose; Defendant: Sophie Fleming
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
26 January 2026
Procedural Posture
Committal Application in Probate Proceedings / Judgment on Committal Applications and Penalty
Outcome
Committal applications granted; defendant found in contempt of court.
Legal Topics
Committal for Contempt, Breach of Injunction, Probate Administration, Harassment, Jurisdiction, Service of Process
Probate Civil Procedure Contempt of Court Committal for Contempt Breach of Injunction Probate Administration Harassment Jurisdiction +1 more

Case Brief

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Parties

Richard Wood

Claimant

Rebecca Ward

Claimant

Fiona Eugenie Lawrence

Claimant

Michelle Dawn Rose

Claimant

Sophie Fleming

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Committal Application in Probate Proceedings / Judgment on Committal Applications and Penalty

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Sophie Fleming breached anti-harassment injunctions granted in probate proceedings
  2. 2 Whether procedural fairness requirements for committal were met
  3. 3 Appropriate penalty for contempt of court

Ratio Decidendi

Sophie Fleming was found, beyond reasonable doubt, to have breached anti-harassment injunctions by failing to remove and continuing to publish online posts making unfounded allegations against the claimants and their legal representatives, constituting contempt of court. Procedural fairness was satisfied as she was aware of the proceedings, her rights, and chose not to participate. The seriousness and persistence of her conduct, its impact on the claimants and the administration of justice, and the inadequacy of a fine justified custodial sentences, suspended due to the impact on her children and practical enforcement issues.

Court Disposition

Committal applications granted; defendant found in contempt of court.

Orders

  • Sophie Fleming sentenced to 28 days' imprisonment suspended for two years for breaches relating to Richard Wood and Rebecca Ward.
  • Sophie Fleming sentenced to 7 days' imprisonment suspended for one year for breaches relating to Fiona Lawrence and Michelle Rose.