HCN -v- Secretary of State for the Home Department (anonymity order)

Administrative CourtHigh CourtKing's Bench DivisionAnonymity Order

Claim number: AC-2026-LON-001126

In the High Court of Justice
King’s Bench Division
Administrative Court

11 March 2026

Before:

The Hon. Mr Justice Kimblin

Between:

THE KING on the application of
HCN

-v-

Secretary of State for the Home Department

Order

On an application by the Claimant for urgent consideration and interim relief

Following consideration of the documents lodged by the Claimant

ORDER by the Hon. Mr Justice Kimblin

  1. Anonymity:
    (a) Under the Court’s inherent jurisdiction and pursuant s. 2(1)(db) Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992:
    (i) the Claimant’s name is to be withheld from the public and must not be disclosed in any proceedings in public; and
    (ii) the Claimant is to be referred to orally and in writing as HCN.
    (b) Pursuant to s. 11 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981, there must be no publication of the identity of the Claimant or of any matter likely to lead to the identification of the Claimant in any report of, or otherwise in connection with, these proceedings.
    (c) Pursuant to CPR 5.4C(4):
    (i) the parties must within 7 days file and serve a redacted copy of any statement of case already filed, omitting the name, address and any other information likely to lead to the identification of the Claimant;
    (ii) if any statement of case subsequently filed includes information likely to lead to the identification of the Claimant, a redacted copy omitting that information must be filed at the same time and must then be served with the unredacted version;
    (iii) unless the Court grants permission under CPR 5.4C(6), no non party many obtain a copy of any unredacted statement of case.
    (d) Any person wishing to vary or discharge this Order must make an application, served on each party.
  2. Timetable for submissions and paper decision on interim relief:
    (a) The Defendant may file and serve any response to the application for interim relief by 4pm on 19th March 2026
    (b) The Claimant may file and serve a reply to that response by 10am on 23rd March 2026
    (c) The papers are to be referred to a judge as soon as possible during the week commencing 23rd March 2026
    (d) There be liberty to apply
  3. Costs: costs in the case.

Reasons

Anonymity: The Claimant is entitled to anonymity by reason of s. 2(1)(db) Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992 and I have made an order accordingly.

Interim relief: The Defendant must be provided with an opportunity to respond to the claim. The materials extend to nearly 700 pages. I have sought to strike a fair balance between providing that opportunity and the need to address the Claimant’s street-homelessness. I have not ordered a hearing. That would be premature and in any event may extend the time for decision. I have given liberty to apply.