North Warwickshire Borough Council v Pride & Anor [2022] EWHC 1484 (QB) (10 May 2022)

North Warwickshire Borough Council v Pride & Anor [2022] EWHC 1484 (QB) (10 May 2022)

The defendants deliberately breached the interim injunction by protesting within the buffer zone and obstructing the entrance to the oil terminal. The breaches were admitted at the first opportunity. Sentencing must reflect the objectives of punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation, and must be proportionate to the defendants' means. Fines are appropriate and discounted for early admission.

Citation
[2022] EWHC 1484 (QB)
Parties
Claimant: North Warwickshire Borough Council; Defendant: Stephanie Pride; Defendant: Gwen Harrison
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
10 May 2022
Procedural Posture
Contempt of Court (civil) / Sentencing After Admission of Breach of Interim Injunction
Outcome
Defendants found in contempt of court and fined.
Legal Topics
Contempt of Court, Interim Injunctions, Protest Law, Sentencing for Breach of Injunction
Civil Procedure Environmental Law Contempt of Court Interim Injunctions Protest Law Sentencing for Breach of Injunction

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Parties

North Warwickshire Borough Council

Claimant

Stephanie Pride

Defendant

Gwen Harrison

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Contempt of Court (civil) / Sentencing After Admission of Breach of Interim Injunction

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the defendants breached the terms of the interim injunction order
  2. 2 Appropriate penalty for admitted breaches of the injunction

Ratio Decidendi

The defendants deliberately breached the interim injunction by protesting within the buffer zone and obstructing the entrance to the oil terminal. The breaches were admitted at the first opportunity. Sentencing must reflect the objectives of punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation, and must be proportionate to the defendants' means. Fines are appropriate and discounted for early admission.

Court Disposition

Defendants found in contempt of court and fined.

Orders

  • Stephanie Pride to pay a fine of £400 by 4pm on 1 June 2022.
  • Gwen Harrison to pay a fine of £400 for the 26 April breach and £500 for the 28 April breach, total £900, by instalments of £100 per month starting 1 June 2022.