John O'Driscoll v Vincent Raymond Clayton (Junior)

John O'Driscoll v Vincent Raymond Clayton (Junior)

The court found that an oral contract for the sale of the entire share capital of Caddicks Ltd in exchange for a Ford Ranger and caravan was made and sufficiently certain. The claimant performed his side of the bargain. The defendant failed to transfer the shares and remains in breach. Damages are inadequate; specific performance is ordered.

Parties
Claimant: John O'Driscoll; Defendant: Vincent Raymond Clayton (Junior)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
20 October 2025
Procedural Posture
Civil / Judgment After Trial
Outcome
Claim allowed
Legal Topics
Specific Performance, Oral Agreements, Sale of Shares, Constructive Trust, Remedies

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

John O'Driscoll

Claimant

Vincent Raymond Clayton (Junior)

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Judgment After Trial

  1. 1 Whether an enforceable oral contract existed for the sale of shares in Caddicks Ltd
  2. 2 Whether specific performance is an appropriate remedy
  3. 3 Whether the defendant breached the contract by failing to transfer shares

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that an oral contract for the sale of the entire share capital of Caddicks Ltd in exchange for a Ford Ranger and caravan was made and sufficiently certain. The claimant performed his side of the bargain. The defendant failed to transfer the shares and remains in breach. Damages are inadequate; specific performance is ordered.

Court Disposition

Claim allowed

Orders

  • Specific performance: Defendant to transfer the entire share capital of Caddicks Ltd to the claimant.
  • Parties to agree and lodge a minute of order giving effect to the judgment.