KB-2025-002427 - [2025] EWHC 1993 (KB)

The hearing before me

For the purposes of the hearing, I was provided with a 686-page bundle as well as bundles of authorities from the Claimant and from D4 and D5.

The Claimant filed witness statements from Mr Simon Mellinger and Mr Michael Hall in support of their application.

The Fourth and Fifth Defendants filed witness statements very shortly before the hearing. No objection was taken by the Claimant to the late filing of witness evidence from the Fourth and Fifth Defendants.

At the hearing I heard submissions from Mr Northall KC (for the Claimant), Mr Cobill (for D4) and Mr Mahmood (for D5). Mr Pickerill and Mr Shore also read prepared statements which they amplified. I am grateful to all counsel as well as Mr Pickerill and to Mr Shore for their focused and concise oral submissions.

The Claimant’s application was issued with a time estimate of 1 hour which was not revised. The time estimate was unrealistic on any view and in the event the hearing did not conclude until 4.45p.m. Although time was limited, I am satisfied that all parties were able to make the points to me that they wished to make, particularly as they were supplementing full written arguments.

I have considered all of the evidence so far as is relevant and set out in this judgment such of the evidence as is necessary so as to understand my reasons for determining the application.