R on the application of ACB -v- Essex County Council (anonymity order)

Administrative CourtHigh CourtKing's Bench DivisionAnonymity Order

Claim no. AC-2024-LON-003782

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

19 November 2024

In the matter of an application for judicial review

Before:

Honourable Mr Justice Bennathan

Between:

The King on the application of ACB

-v-

Essex County Council

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ANONYMITY ORDER

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On an application by the Claimant for interim relief and an expedited leave application

Following consideration of the documents lodged by the Claimant

ORDER by the Honourable Mr Justice Bennathan

  1. Pursuant to rule 39.2 of the Civil Procedure Rules, the identity of the Claimant shall not be disclosed directly or indirectly and this matter shall be known and listed as R (ACB) v Essex County Council.
  2. The Claimant has permission pursuant to rule 21.2(3) to conduct proceedings without a litigation friend.
  3. The application for expedition is granted. The Defendant shall file and serve an acknowledgment of service and summary grounds of defence within 7 days from the date of this order. The applications for permission and interim relief shall thereafter be placed before a Judge for consideration within 7 days.
  4. Liberty to apply with at least 2 clear days’ notice to the other parties.
  5. Costs reserved.

Reasons

  1. I grant the anonymity order as the balance of convenience is in favour of preserving the anonymity of one who might be a child, and subject to the liberty for any applications to vary that order.
  2. Given the Defendant has been alerted to these issues for some weeks, and given the Claimant’s current accommodation, I also make the order for expedition.