England and Wales Case Law

Cardiff University v Persons Unknown

The University has demonstrated a compelling need for protection of its property rights against repeated unlawful protest, trespass, and nuisance by persons unknown. The injunction is justified and proportionate under Articles 10 and 11 ECHR, given the availability of lawful protest mechanisms, the presumption in favour of consent under the Code, and the liberty to apply to vary or discharge. The terms, geographic scope (excluding the Music Building), and temporal limit (until 31 July 2026) are appropriate, and notification requirements have been satisfied.

Source excerpt

• Injunctions against persons unknown
• Trespass
• Private nuisance
• Protest law
• Echr articles 10 and 11
• University property rights

Read case analysis

Whiston v Leonard & Anor

Whiston v Leonard & Anor [2026] EWHC 355 (Ch) (20 February 2026)

Appeal over a farm right of way dismissed, with the cross-appeal also dismissed. The court upheld findings on substantial interference, Barn Door access, and costs.

• Right of way
• Easements
• Private nuisance
• Costs
• Declaratory relief
• Right-of-way

Read case analysis

Birmingham City Council v Persons Unknown (Re Protests in Support of the Bin Workers' Strike)

Birmingham City Council v Persons Unknown (Re Protests in Support of the Bin Workers' Strike) [2026] EWHC 373 (KB) (20 February 2026)

The High Court authorised alternative service on unknown protesters and granted Birmingham City Council a limited interim injunction against trespass and obstruction at waste depots and on city roads.

• Service of proceedings on persons unknown
• Alternative service
• Interim injunctions
• Trespass
• Private nuisance
• Public nuisance

Read case analysis

Muriel Angela Whiston v Peter Joseph Leonard & Anor

An appeal over a farm right of way, gate changes and a barn door dispute was dismissed, with the court upholding findings of substantial interference and costs.

• Right of way
• Private nuisance
• Injunctions
• Costs
• Neighbour disputes
• Right-of-way

Read case analysis

The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge v Persons Unknown

The University is entitled to a final injunction against persons unknown for a year over three specified sites, as there is a real and imminent risk of trespass and nuisance, no realistic private law or human rights defence, and the injunction is necessary, proportionate, clear, and leaves ample opportunity for protest elsewhere. The procedural and substantive requirements for injunctions against persons unknown are satisfied.

Source excerpt

• Injunctions against persons unknown
• Freedom of expression
• Freedom of assembly
• Trespass
• Private nuisance
• Echr articles 10, 11, 14

Read case analysis

Patricia Andrews & Ors v Kronospan Limited

The court dismissed a group environmental nuisance claim over dust, odour and noise from a Chirk factory, finding the emissions did not amount to legal nuisance.

• Private nuisance
• Public nuisance
• Prescription
• Best available techniques (bat)
• Environmental permitting
• Damages for loss of amenity

Read case analysis

Andrews & Ors v Kronospan Ltd

Andrews & Ors v Kronospan Ltd [2025] EWHC 2429 (TCC) (25 September 2025)

The court dismissed a group nuisance claim over dust, odour and noise from Kronospan’s Chirk factory, finding no substantial interference with the claimants’ enjoyment of their homes.

• Private nuisance
• Public nuisance
• Environmental regulation
• Damages
• Prescription
• Ordinary and reasonable user

Read case analysis

The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge v Persons Unknown

The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge v Persons Unknown [2025] EWHC 2330 (KB) (12 September 2025)

The High Court granted summary judgment and final injunctive relief restraining threatened trespass and nuisance by persons unknown on specified Cambridge University sites.

• Summary judgment
• Final injunction
• Trespass
• Private nuisance
• Freedom of expression (article 10 echr)
• Freedom of assembly (article 11 echr)

Read case analysis

Sheffield Environmental Services & Ors v Persons Unknown

The High Court granted an injunction against persons unknown who blocked Veolia waste sites during Unite-linked industrial action, finding private nuisance and minimal trespass.

• Injunctions against persons unknown
• Trespass
• Private nuisance
• Trade union disputes
• Protest law
• Service of process

Read case analysis

Sheffield Environmental Services & Ors v Persons Unknown

Sheffield Environmental Services & Ors v Persons Unknown [2025] EWHC 2141 (KB) (13 August 2025)

The High Court granted an injunction against persons unknown blocking Veolia’s Sheffield sites during industrial action, finding private nuisance, minimal trespass, and adequate service.

• Injunctions against persons unknown
• Trespass
• Private nuisance
• Industrial action
• Trade union rights
• Protest law

Read case analysis