Committal for Contempt of Court: Darlington Borough Council -v- Stephanie Butt

County CourtCommittal for Contempt of Court

Claim No: M00DL187

IN THE COUNTY COURT AT MIDDLESBROUGH

20 March 2026

Before:

His Honour Judge Robinson

Between:

DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

-v-

STEPHANIE BUTT (also known as STEPHANIE JOHNSTONE)

Order

Before His Honour Judge Robinson sitting in the County Court at Middlesbrough on 20 March 2026 at a hearing to sentence the defendant in respect of contempt of court

  1. UPON hearing legal representative for the claimant and there being no attendance by the defendant
  2. UPON the court being satisfied there has been personal service of the Order made on 18 February 2026 and notice of this hearing upon the defendant
  3. UPON the court delivering a judgment at the outset of the hearing and determining to proceed in the absence of the defendant, specifically considering the factors as contained in Sanchez v Oboz [2015] EWHC 235 (Fam)
  4. UPON the court having provided in the recitals to the Order made following the hearing on 18 February 2026 the defendant’s right to legal advice and representation.
  5. UPON the Court having found the defendant in contempt of court on 18 February 2026, the following findings having been made:
    1) On 1 August 2025 the defendant attended Mr Butt’s home at Longfield Road, Darlington, at approximately 9.53pm and argued with her father, including swearing at him and asking him for money, in breach of paragraphs (b) and (c) of the Order of Deputy District Judge Smart dated 28 May 2025.
    2) On 2 August 2025 the defendant attended Mr Butt’s home at Longfield Road, Darlington, and shouted at him, in breach of paragraphs (b) and (c) of the Order of Deputy District Judge Smart dated 28 May 2025.
    3) On 3 August 2025 the defendant attended Mr Butt’s home at Longfield Road, Darlington, and banged on his windows, in breach of paragraph (c) of the Order of Deputy District Judge Smart dated 28 May 2025.
    4) On 6 August 2025 the defendant attended Mr Butt’s home at Longfield Road, Darlington, at approximately 4.24pm and argued with Mr. Butt, in breach of paragraphs (b) and (c) of the Order of Deputy District Judge Smart dated 28 May 2025.
    5) On 9 September 2025 the defendant attended Mr Butt’s home at Longfield Road, Darlington, and stayed between approximately 3.30pm and 3.50pm and shouted at Mr. Butt and sought money from him, in breach of paragraphs (b) and (c) of the Order of Deputy District Judge Smart dated 28 May 2025.
    6) On 9 September 2025 the defendant further attended Mr Butt’s home at Longfield Road, Darlington, and stayed between approximately 4.04pm and 6.10pm and argued with Mr Butt, in breach of paragraphs (b) and (c) of the Order of Deputy District Judge Smart dated 28 May 2025.
    7) On 10 September 2025 the defendant attended Mr Butt’s home at Longfield Road, Darlington, at approximately 5.45pm, in breach of paragraph (c) of the Order of Deputy District Judge Smart dated 28 May 2025.

It is ORDERED that:

  1. The amended injunction of Deputy District Judge Smart dated 28 May 2025 (amended on 18 February 2026) is extended until 4pm on 28 May 2027.
  2. The defendant is sentenced to a total sentence of 28 days imprisonment for the contempt set out above, which is suspended on terms of compliance with the amended extended injunction dated 28 May 2025.
  3. The claimant must arrange personal service of the amended extended injunction and this Order on the defendant forthwith and file a certificate of service with the court.
  4. No order as to costs.