LS -v- London Borough of Hounslow (anonymity order)

Administrative CourtHigh CourtKing's Bench DivisionAnonymity Order

Claim number: CO/1273/2022

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

12 April 2023

Before:

The Honourable Mr Justice Eyre

Between:

The King on the application of
LS

-v-

London Borough of Hounslow


Order

On an application by the Claimant for anonymisation and for orders as to expedition and related matters
Following consideration of the documents lodged by the Claimant
ORDER by the Honourable Mr Justice Eyre

  1. The Claimant’s application for anonymity is granted, and pursuant to section 11 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981, section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998, CPR Rule 5.4A-5.4D and Rule 39.2, with effect from the date of this order and until further order:
    (a) There shall be substituted for all purposes of this case, in place of references to the name of the Claimant, reference to “LS”;
    (b) There shall be substituted for all purposes of this case, in place of references to the name of the Claimant’s sister and litigation friend, reference to “SS”;
    (c) There shall be no publication of any name, address, picture or other information likely to lead to the identification of the Claimant as being the Claimant in these proceedings;
    (d) In paragraph 1(c) “publication” means communication to the public or any section of the public. It includes publication in a newspaper or broadcast, or on the internet, by any person;
    (e) The Defendant, and any party served with or given notice of the anonymity order, has permission to apply to discharge or vary that order. Any application for that purpose must be made in writing, on notice to all parties;
    (f) Any application for permission to inspect or obtain a non-anonymised version of a document must be made on notice to the Claimant and in accordance with CPR r.5.4C(6).
  1. Time for filing of an Acknowledgement of Service; any response to the application for interim relief; and any Summary Grounds of Defence is abridged to 4.00pm on 25th April 2023.
  2. The papers are to be referred to a judge or deputy judge of the Administrative Court on 26th April 2023 or as soon as practicable thereafter.
  3. The said referral is to be made even if there has not at that time been any Acknowledgement of Service or other response from the Defendant.
  4. On consideration of the papers the judge or deputy judge shall consider the grant or refusal of permission and the application for interim relief and shall make such directions in respect of the latter application as are appropriate at that time.
  5. Costs reserved.

This order has been made without a hearing. Any party affected by this order may apply within 7 days of the service of this order on that party to have it set aside, varied, or stayed.

Reasons

  1. In light of the Claimant’s age and personal circumstances I am satisfied that anonymisation is necessary in the interests of justice.
  2. The Claimant’s circumstances are such that it is appropriate for this application to be dealt with promptly. However, the assessment of the extent to which further expedition is necessary or warranted and the approach to be taken to interim relief is best made after consideration of any response from the Defendant.
  3. The directions I have made seek to achieve an appropriate balance between ensuring prompt consideration and giving a proper opportunity for a response from the Defendant and for consideration of the matter in the round by the court.