Louis Browne QC successfully resists contempt of court application after four-day High Court trial

May 19, 2021

After a four-day High Court trial in front of Mr Justice Robin Knowles, Louis Browne QC from Exchange Chambers, instructed by Brabners, has successfully resisted an application from an NHS Trust to have his client (DP) committed for contempt of court.

DP, through another firm of solicitors, had previously pursued a personal injury claim against the Trust for its negligent failure to diagnose and treat a fracture of his prominent left hand.

The Trust admitted its failure to diagnose and DP issued proceedings.

However, at trial, the Trust presented surveillance reports and social media evidence undermining DP’s account and the Judge ruled that he was fundamentally dishonest.

The Trust successfully applied to a High Court Judge for permission to bring contempt proceedings against DP on the basis that he had signed the particulars of claim knowing them to be false.

With permission granted, Louis Browne QC was instructed by Lachlan Nisbet, Partner and Head of Regulatory at Brabners to act for DP.

After a four-day trial in front of Mr Justice Robin Knowles, the Trust’s application to have DP committed for contempt of court was dismissed. The Trust was also ordered to pay costs.

Commenting on the case, DP said:

“I can’t stress how grateful I am for Brabners’ services and for the appointment of such an outstanding barrister in Louis Browne QC in assisting me in proving my innocence.”