Ex turpi causa non oritur actio A claim was made for the price of goods which the plaintiff sold to the defendant in Dunkirk, knowing that the defendant’s purpose was to smuggle the goods into England. The plaintiff was met with a defence of illegality. Held: The defence failed. Knowledge on the part of the … Continue reading Holman v Johnson: 5 Jul 1775
Persons detained under Mental Health Acts could be subject to random non-consensual searches even if this went against medical opinion. The power to seclude a patient within the hospital is implied from the power to detain as a ‘necessary ingredient flowing from a power of detention for treatment.’ Judges: Auld LJ Citations: Gazette 26-Feb-1998, Times … Continue reading Regina v Broadmoor Special Hospital Authority and Secretary of State for Department of Health ex parte S, H and D (2): CA 5 Feb 1998
The defendant authority appealed a finding that it was liable in negligence from the conduct of one of its environmental health officers. The plaintiff had set out to refurbish and open a restaurant. He said the officer gave him a list of things he must do. He had done them, but the licence was still … Continue reading Welton, Welton v North Cornwall District Council: CA 17 Jul 1996
The feeding by tube of a mental patient who was unable and unwilling to consent can remain treatment, and within the decision of the doctors. In the context of whether the force-feeding an anorexic was authorised by section 63, the Court of Appeal held that treatment falling within the definition in section 145(1) was ‘treatment … Continue reading B v Croydon Health Authority: CA 30 Nov 1994
The issue before the tribunal was whether the disorder, if established, had resulted in abnormally aggressive or seriously irresponsible conduct in the past and there was a real risk that, if treatment in hospital were discontinued, it would do so in the future. Citations: [2002] EWCA Civ 697 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited … Continue reading P, Regina (on the Application of) v Mental Health Review Tribunal for East Midlands and North East Regions: CA 16 Apr 2002
Doctors are to take great care when considering making a recommendation of an order under sections 37 or 41. Citations: Ind Summary 17-Jul-1995 Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 37 41 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing, Health Updated: 08 October 2022; Ref: scu.88328
The authority wanted S to be admitted to hospital, if necessary against her will. She was pregnant and wanted to have a natural birth, even at great risk to herself and her baby. She had refused medical treatment for eclampsia. The caesarian had by now been carried out against her will under court order. Held: … Continue reading St George’s Healthcare National Health Service Trust v S, Regina v Collins and Others ex parte S: CA 8 May 1998
Appeal against refusal to lift a restriction order. Citations: [2010] UKUT 455 (AAC) Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 Health Updated: 07 September 2022; Ref: scu.433600
The claimant sought judicial review of her detention under section 2 of the 1983 Act. Held: The request was rejected. The tribunal had been correct to treat the original application as out of time. The Secretary of State’s decision was neither unreasonable nor in breach of her rights under the Convention, and an isolated failure … Continue reading Modaresi, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Health and Others: Admn 3 Mar 2011
The House was asked whether a patient detained for treatment under the 1983 Act can be treated against his will for any mental disorder from which he is suffering or only for the particular form of mental disorder from which he is classified as suffering for the purpose of the order or application authorising his … Continue reading B, Regina (on the Application of) v Ashworth Hospital Authority: HL 17 Mar 2005
The claimant, a detained mental patient said that his continued detention in a higher security unit was not required. Judges: Platts HHJ Citations: [2012] EWHC 521 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 136 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health Updated: 18 July 2022; Ref: scu.519779
The adult patient TB suffered both physical and mental delusional disabilities. The carers felt that community support and treatment having failed, only intensive residential reatment would help. She resisted this proposed detention. Held: The court considered its powers under the 1983 and the 2005 Act, and ‘if by operation of section 16A (2) (b) above … Continue reading W Primary Care Trust v TB and Others: Fd 17 Jul 2009
Each applicant sought judicial review of the refusal of the tribunal to authorise their release from detention under the 1983 Act, saying that the Tribunal had accepted evidence to a lower standard of proof. Held: Neither the criminal standard of proof nor the level of proof set down in Addington applied. To raise the standard … Continue reading Regina (DJ) v Mental Health Review Tribunal; Regina (AN) v Mental Health Review Tribunal (Northern Region): Admn 11 Apr 2005
Application in relation to AB who is a young woman of 34 years old and who has a serious and life threatening cardiac condition, the recommended treatment for which is surgery. In addition to her physical problems, AB was an inpatient at a low secure private hospital under section 3 Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA). … Continue reading A Local Health Board v AB: CoP 30 Apr 2015
Proceedings before the Mental Health Review Tribnal had been very nearly all held in private. The patient, Ian Brady sought to have his hearing in public. Held: Beatson J approved the Tribunal’s reasons forfind that their privacy rules were a proper and proportionate departure from the principle of open justice and thus compatible with article … Continue reading Mersey Care NHS Trust, Regina (on the Application of) v Mental Health Review Tribunal and others: Admn 22 Jul 2004
The medical member of the review tribunal to which the appellant had applied for his discharge from detention under section 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983 who was a consultant psychiatrist was not disqualified from considering the appellant’s case because he was employed by the Mersey Care National Health Service Trust: ‘We consider that … Continue reading Regina on the Application of PD v West Midlands and North West Mental Health Review Tribunal: CA 17 Mar 2004
Architects proposed a system of flexible drains for a site, but the contractors persuaded them to accept rigid drains which once laid proved inadequate at considerable cost. The local authority had permitted the departure from the plans. Held: The true question to found negligence was whether the particular defendant owed the particular plaintiff a duty … Continue reading Peabody Donation Fund v Sir Lindsay Parkinson and Co Ltd: HL 18 Oct 1983
The claimant was a mental patient under compulsory detention, and complained that he had been subjected to periods of seclusion. Held: The appeal succeeded. The hospital had failed to follow the appropriate Code of Practice. The Code was not obligatory, but following it would generally ensure that a patient’s rights were not infringed. It recognised … Continue reading Munjaz v Mersey Care National Health Service Trust And the Secretary of State for Health, the National Association for Mental Health (Mind) Respondent interested;: CA 16 Jul 2003
Damages were claimed by three mental health patients whose rights under Article 5(4) had been infringed because of inordinate delay in processing their claims to mental health review tribunals. Held: Article 5.5 did not make an award of damages mandatory. It was complied with provided that it was possible to make an application for compensation; … Continue reading KB and Others, Regina (on the Applications of) v Mental Health Review Tribunal: Admn 23 Apr 2002
The applicant was an adult autistic, unable to consent to medical treatment. Treatment was provided at a day centre. He had been detained informally under the Act and against the wishes of his carers, but the Court of Appeal decided he should have been formally detained. Held: The appeal succeeded. His detention had not been … Continue reading In Re L (By His Next Friend GE); Regina v Bournewood Community and Mental Health NHS Trust, Ex Parte L: HL 25 Jun 1998
A patient having been convicted of manslaughter eventually applied for release. The authorities were concerned that he might have a spontaneous recurrence of his condition, but delayed preparation of a plan for his release. The Tribunal refused to order his release despite the delay. A review of the Tribunal failed because the Tribunal had no … Continue reading Regina v Mental Health Review Tribunal; Torfaen County Borough Council and Gwent Health Authority (ex parte Russell Hall): CA 30 Jul 1999
Citations: [2000] EWHC Admin 362 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 2 3 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Appealed to – Regina (Count Franz Von Brandenburg (aka Hanley) ) v East London and The City Mental Health NHS Trust, Snazell, Approved Social worker CA 21-Feb-2001 The court was asked ‘When a mental health review … Continue reading Regina v Tower Hamlets Health Care NHS Trust and Snazell ex parte Von Brandenburg: Admn 26 Jun 2000
The tribunal had ordered the conditional discharge of the patient, subject to conditions to be satisfied by the local health authority. The authority had failed to make the arrangements which would have satisfied the relevant conditions, and as a result the patient remained in detention in hospital. Held: A health or social services authority has … Continue reading Regina v Mental Health Review Tribunal; Torfaen County Borough Council and Gwent Health Authority ex parte Hall: Admn 23 Apr 1999
The patient sought his discharge. A panel of three sat, but only two members voted for his release. Held: The Act allowed a panel with a minimum quorum of three, but also required a minimum of three to vote in favour. The mere majority was insufficient. The Grindley case was not enough to allow a … Continue reading Regina v Central and North-West London Mental Health NHS Trust: QBD 9 Dec 2002
The duty of a local authority to seek to provide resources to care for a mental patient after release into the community, is not absolute, and is subject to the limitations of the availability of a sufficient budget. A continued detention in hospital of a patient because of the absence of such proper provision was … Continue reading Regina (on the application of K) v Camden and Islington Health Authority: CA 21 Feb 2001
The authority obtained an ex parte order allowing it to give treatment in the form of a medically assisted birth, to the claimant against her will. Citations: Times 08-May-1998, Gazette 03-Jun-1998, [1998] EWHC Admin 490 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 2 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – Regina v Collins; Pathfinder … Continue reading Regina v Collins; Pathfinder Mental Health Services NHS Trust and St Georges Healthcare NHS Trust ex parte S: Admn 7 May 1998
A patient’s conditional discharge had been ordered by a tribunal. One of the conditions imposed by the tribunal was the appointment by the health authority of a responsible medical officer to provide psychiatric supervision of the patient in the community. The authority refused to make the appointment. Held: ‘I reject the submission that this duty … Continue reading Regina v Ealing District Health Authority, ex parte Fox: 1993
The plaintiff brought proceedings against the defendant health authority for negligence and breach of duty of care on the ground that, if he had been properly treated, he would not have killed his victim and would not have been convicted of the offence of manslaughter. He alleged that the consequence of the defendant’s breach of … Continue reading Clunis v Camden and Islington Health Authority: QBD 12 Dec 1996
A standardised period before a hearing to review a patient’s detention that does not vary with the facts of each case may involve a breach of the Convention right. Citations: [2001] EWCA Civ 1110, [2002] 1 WLR 176 Statutes: European Convention on Human Rights, Mental Health Act 1983 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited … Continue reading Regina (C) v London South and West Region Mental Health Review Tribunal: CA 2001
Two patients were each subject to hospital orders and restriction orders under the Mental Health Act 1983. On a reference to the First-tier Tribunal, the first patient did not seek a discharge but instead sought an extra-statutory recommendation that he be granted leave outside the hospital. Before hearing any evidence, the First-tier Tribunal announced that … Continue reading EC v Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust: UTAA 8 May 2013
The applicant sought to challenge a decision that she should be sterilised, and detained as a mental patient for this purpose. Judges: Popplewell J Citations: [1997] EWHC Admin 281 Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 2, Supreme Court Act 1981 31(6) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – Regina v Collins; Pathfinder Mental Health Services … Continue reading Regina v Collins; Pathfinder Mental Health Services NHS Trust and St George’s Health Care NHS Trust ex parte ‘S’: Admn 17 Mar 1997
A mental patient’s detention under s 3 should not be renewed under s 20 when she was absent from the hospital on home leave. Judicial review is to be preferred to habeas corpus as a means of seeking remedies in these situations. Citations: Times 14-Oct-1998 Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 3, 20 Jurisdiction: England and … Continue reading In Re Barker; Regina v Bhb Community Healthcare NHS Trust and Another, Ex Parte Barker: CA 14 Oct 1998
The claimant suffered psychiatric injury in a rail crash caused by the defendant’s negligence. Under this condition of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, the claimant had later gone on to kill another person, and he had been detained under section 41. He now sought damages for his loss of earnings through detention in prison and mental hospital. … Continue reading Gray v Thames Trains and Others: HL 17 Jun 2009
C applied for judicial review of the refusal by the respondent to order his absolute discharge, and the continuation of the restriction order. He said the tribunal had taken account of earlier reporst referring to a psychopathic personality disorder, when the original restriction order had only referred to a mental illness. He also complained at … Continue reading Regina (C) v Mental Health Review Tribunal and Others: QBD 17 Jan 2005
The claimant was detained in a secure Mental Hospital. He complained at the seclusions policy applied by the hospital, saying that it departed from the Guidance issued for such policies by the Secretary of State under the Act. Held: The House allowed the Hospital’s appeal. The policy was lawful. Seclusion was to be seen as … Continue reading Regina v Ashworth Hospital Authority (Now Mersey Care National Health Service Trust) ex parte Munjaz: HL 13 Oct 2005
Upon the allegedly negligent release of the claimant from mental health care, she had, while in the midst of a serious psychotic episode, derived from the schizophrenia, killed her mother and been convicted of manslaughter. She now sought damages in negligence. The defendant relied upon a defence of illegality. Held: All the heads of claim … Continue reading Henderson v Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust: CA 3 Aug 2018
Change in Doctors’ Information Obligations The pursuer claimed that her obstetrician had been negligent, after her son suffered severe injury at birth. The baby faced a birth with shoulder dystocia – the inability of the shoulders to pass through the pelvis. The consultant considered that a vaginal birth was preferable and did not given advice … Continue reading Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board: SC 11 Mar 2015
The court observed, in passing, that ‘there are situations where the wishes of a person with impaired mental facilities may be validly replaced by those of another person acting in the context of a protective measure and that it is sometimes difficult to ascertain the true wishes or preferences of the person concerned’ Citations: 36760/06, … Continue reading Stanev v Bulgaria: ECHR 17 Jan 2012
Appeal by two public authorities against a refusal to strike out the claimant’s claim as an abuse of process. The principal point of law which arises for decision is whether (following O’Reilly v Mackman [1983] 2 AC 237) the claimant was entitled to proceed under Part 7 of the Civil Procedure Rules rather than by … Continue reading Richards v Worcestershire County Council and Another: CA 12 Dec 2017
The Court was asked whether a person who has been compulsorily detained in a hospital for mental disorder under section 3 of the 1983 Act and has then been released from detention but still requires ‘after-care services’ is entitled to require his local authority to provide such services at any time before he has exhausted … Continue reading Tinsley v Manchester City Council and Others: CA 1 Nov 2017
The claimant appealed against rejection of his request for release from liability to be detained for medical treatment. Judges: Arden, McCombe, Sales LJJ Citations: [2017] EWCA Civ 436 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983, European Convention of Human Rights 5 8 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health, Human Rights Updated: 27 March 2022; Ref: scu.588320
The claimant had spent his childhood in foster care, and now claimed damages against a local authority for decisions made and not made during that period. The judge’s decision to strike out the claim had been upheld by the Court of Appeal. Held: An adult formerly in the care of a local authority as a … Continue reading Barrett v London Borough of Enfield: HL 17 Jun 1999
Parents of children had falsely and negligently been accused of abusing their children. The children sought damages for negligence against the doctors or social workers who had made the statements supporting the actions taken. The House was asked if the suffering of psychiatric injury by the parent was a foreseeable result of making it and … Continue reading JD v East Berkshire Community Health NHS Trust and others: HL 21 Apr 2005
The claimant said that he as unlawfully detained in an Immigration Removal Centre pending removal from the United Kingdom and, once he was definitively declared unfit to fly, detained for an unreasonably long period of time before eventual transfer to a psychiatric unit. Judges: Green J Citations: [2017] EWHC 196 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental … Continue reading ASK v The Secretary of State for The Home Department: Admn 9 Feb 2017
The appellant was detained under section 37 of the 1983 Act as a mental patient with a restriction under section 41. He sought his release. Held: The standard of proof in such applications remained the balance of probabilities, but that standard was flexible, and varied according to the seriousness of the allegation. The only misdirection … Continue reading AN, Regina (on the Application of) v Mental Health Review Tribunal (Northern Region) and others: CA 21 Dec 2005
The claimant appealed against an order striking out his claim in negligence. He had leaped from a window in a suicide attempt. The accommodation was provided by the defendant whilst caring for him under the 1983 Act. Held: The case should be allowed to go ahead. Though the common law tort of negligence is still … Continue reading K v Central and North West London Mental Health NHS Trust and Another: QBD 30 May 2008
The patient had been detained, and then secluded within the mental hospital for 11 days. He claimed to have been subjected to inhuman treatment, and false imprisonment. Held: His claim failed. The policy allowed the authority to confine him to a locked room under supervision for the protection of others. The fact of seclusion did … Continue reading S v Airedale National Health Service Trust: QBD 22 Aug 2002
A patient detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) may be released from compulsory detention in hospital subject to a community treatment order. The question arising on this appeal is whether a patient’s responsible clinician (may impose conditions in a CTO which amount to the deprivation of his liberty within the meaning of article … Continue reading Welsh Ministers v PJ: SC 17 Dec 2018
The Court of Appeal issued habeas corpus because the applicant was committed to a mental institution pursuant to an application which was made by somebody who lacked the statutory authority to make it. The right of personal freedom is fundamental. In the mental health context, if someone is to be taken out of the community … Continue reading In re S-C (Mental Patient: Habeas Corpus): CA 22 Nov 1995
dispute about which of two local authorities should pay for care services, in this case after-care services pursuant to s.117(3) of the Mental Health Act 1983 Lord Justice Coulson, Lady Justice Carr, And, Lord Justice William Davis [2021] EWCA Civ 1957 Bailii, Judiciary England and Wales Health, Local Government Updated: 28 December 2021; Ref: scu.670716
Power of FTT to deprive patient of liberty Two patients who had been confined to a secure hospital, appealed against orders which would continue to restrict their liberty upon being conditionally released. The parties now disputed the jurisdiction of the FTT to make such an order. Held: The orders made by the UT were set … Continue reading The Secretary of State for Justice v MM: CA 29 Mar 2017
The court had ordered the defendant, before his trial for a serious assault, to be remitted to a mental hospital under section 35 of the 1983 Act, so that a report could be prepared as to his mental condition. The central issue would be his capacity to form the necessary intent. The defendant appealed saying … Continue reading M, Regina (on The Application of) v Kingston Crown Court: Admn 17 Jul 2014
A mother sought to challenge guidelines issued by the respondent which would allow doctors to protect the confidentiality of women under 16 who came to them for assistance even though the sexual activities they might engage in would be unlawful. Held: A person under 16 who was otherwise competent was entitled to seek medical assistance, … Continue reading Axon, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Health and Another: Admn 23 Jan 2006
There had been a trial of 35 days regarding rights of way over land, which had proved fruitless, and where some orders had been made without jurisdiction. The result had been inconclusive. The costs order was now appealed, the plaintiff complaining that the judge had failed to take into account an offer of settlement made … Continue reading Cutts v Head and Another: CA 7 Dec 1983
The appellant Khera’s father had obtained leave to settle in the UK. The appellant obtained leave to join him, but did not disclose that he had married. After his entry his wife in turn sought to join him. The appellant was detained as an illegal immigrant. Held: The term ‘illegal immigrant’ included anyone entering unlawfully. … Continue reading Khera v Secretary of State for The Home Department; Khawaja v Secretary of State for The Home Department: HL 10 Feb 1983
The Court considered the meaning of ‘discharge’ from a mental health hospital. Elias J held that it meant ‘discharge from detention in hospital’, so that there could be a discharge on condition of residence in another hospital: but he also held that the crucial question was whether the conditions amounted to detention, which was not … Continue reading Secretary of State for the Home Department, Regina (on the Application of) v Mental Health Review Tribunal: Admn 20 May 2002
the interpretation of section 73(2) (and section 42(2)) may depend, in part at least, on what is meant by ‘discharge’. Held: Mann J said that it meant ‘discharge from hospital’, so that a condition could not be imposed that the patient reside in another hospital, even if not under conditions of detention. Mann J [1986] … Continue reading Secretary of State for the Home Department v Mental Health Review Tribunal for Mersey Regional Health Authority: Admn 1986
Whether the 1983 Act, and in particular its provisions governing the conditional discharge and deferral of conditional discharge of ‘restricted patients’, are compatible with Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights. [2001] EWHC Admin 1037 Bailii Mental Health Act 1983, European Convention on Human Rights England and Wales Citing: Appealed to – Regina … Continue reading Regina (on the Application IH) v Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust and Others: Admn 5 Dec 2001
The applicants had been made subject of anti-social behaviour orders. They challenged the basis upon which the orders had been made. Held: The orders had no identifiable consequences which would make the process a criminal one. Civil standards of evidence therefore applied, and hearsay evidence was admissible. Nevertheless, the test as to whether it was … Continue reading Clingham (formerly C (a minor)) v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; Regina v Crown Court at Manchester Ex parte McCann and Others: HL 17 Oct 2002
Unlawful Detention pending Deportation An offender had been recommended for deportation following conviction. He had served his sentence and would otherwise have been released on parole. He had no passport and no valid travel documents. He complained that the length of time for which he had then been detained was too long and that the … Continue reading Regina v Governor of Durham Prison, ex parte Hardial Singh: QBD 13 Dec 1983
The plaintiff had killed someone and, as a result, been convicted of manslaughter and ordered to be detained in a secure hospital when subject to after-care under section 117 of the 1983 Act. He sought damages from the health authority on the basis that he would not have killed anyone but for negligence on the … Continue reading Clunis (By his Next Friend Prince) v Camden and Islington Health Authority: CA 5 Dec 1997
The claimants appealed against the imposition on them of smoking bans while they were compulsorily detained at Rampton Hospital. They said that other persons detained for example in prisons had been exempted fully. Held: The right or freedom to smoke does not engage article 8(1) of the Convention. The appeal failed: ‘We reject the argument … Continue reading N, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Health; Regina (E) v Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust: CA 24 Jul 2009
The patient was detained under the Act. The Mental Health Tribunal decided he should be released. The hospital disagreed. The patient continued to reside to the Hospital voluntarily, but the hospital viewed the decision to release him as . .
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The parties considered the propriety of a sterilisation of a woman who was, through mental incapacity, unable to give her consent.
Held: The appeal succeeded, and the operation would be lawful if the doctor considered it to be in the best . .
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Citations: [2002] EWHC 1618 (Admin), [2003] 1 WLR 330 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 17 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health Updated: 06 November 2022; Ref: scu.175138
Appeal against refusal of community leave of absence for mental patient. Judges: Silber J Citations: [2006] EWHC 1903 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 17 Health Updated: 07 July 2022; Ref: scu.243382
For civil patients, it matters a great deal whether the classification of their condition is ‘severe subnormality’ or just ‘subnormality’ or whether it is ‘mental illness’ or ‘psychopathic disorder’. Lawton LJ discussed the construction of the phrase ‘mental illness’: ‘The answer in my judgment is to be found in the advice which Lord Reid gave … Continue reading W v L: CA 1974
Citations: [2008] EWCA Civ 176, [2009] 1 WLR 310, (2008) 101 BMLR 83, [2008] UKHRR 847 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health, Human Rights Updated: 27 November 2022; Ref: scu.266160
The claimant complained of his recall to hospital. He had in 1991 been foundf not guilty of murder by reason of his insanity, and had been detained in a secure hospital, but then released conditionally. He said the recall on medical grounds was improper where the condition now complained of was not that under which … Continue reading Regina on the Application of A l v Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 20 Jan 2005
The issue that arises in this case concerns non-compliant incapacitated patients, that is those who are not willing to be admitted and do not have the capacity to consent to admission, to psychiatric hospitals pending the making of an application for their compulsory admission to hospital for assessment under section 2 Mental Health Act 1983 … Continue reading Sessay, Regina (on The Application of) v South London and Maudsley Nhs Foundation Trust and Another: QBD 13 Oct 2011
Appeal against the imposition of the restriction order Judges: Mr Justice Nelson Citations: [2002] EWCA Crim 1698 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 37 41 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 19 November 2022; Ref: scu.175256
Each claimant sought damages after being exposed to asbestos dust. The defendants resisted saying that the injury alleged, the development of pleural plaques, was yet insufficient as damage to found a claim. Held: (Smith LJ dissenting) The defendants appeals succeeded. The claimants had three possible claims, none of which on their own would amount to … Continue reading Rothwell v Chemical and Insulating Co Ltd and Another: CA 26 Jan 2006
The claimants sought damages from the defendant local authority after their identities had been wrongfully revealed to the natural parents of the adoptees leading to a claimed campaign of harassment. The adopters has specifically requested that their names and address be not revealed, but they details were let slip in a case conference. Both parties … Continue reading B and B v A County Council: CA 21 Nov 2006
The claimant sought damages for false imprisonment. The mental health tribunal had ordered his release, but the respondent had delayed that release. Held: False imprisonment is established on proof of imprisonment without lawful authority. An authority might commit both the tort of false imprisonment and infringe a patient’s human rights, but not all infringements of … Continue reading Regina (W) v Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council: Admn 13 Feb 2003
The parties had married, but the male partner was a transsexual, having been born female and having undergone treatment for Gender Identity Dysphoria. After IVF treatment, the couple had a child. As the marriage broke down the truth was revealed in court, but the plaintiff said that his wife had known the true position. He … Continue reading J v S T (Formerly J): CA 21 Nov 1996
The owners of private mental hospital sought to change the character of one of its wards. A patient sought leave to challenge that change by judicial review, arguing that the hospital served a public function. Held: Although the contracting out of the Heath Authority’s functions might not always transfer its public obligations, such obligations might … Continue reading Regina (A) v Partnerships in Care Ltd: QBD 11 Apr 2002
The appellants challenged the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment imposed on them on their convictions for murder. They said it was an infringement of their Human Rights, being arbitrary and disproportionate. Held: The case followed on where the Anderson case left off. In these cases the judge had noted that he did not think the … Continue reading Regina v Lichniak: HL 25 Nov 2002
The applicant, detained under the section by the respondent, appealed refusal of a judicial review and a writ of habeas corpus. He had applied for a review of his detention. The review had been heard by a panel of three. Two judged in his favour. Held: The Act required a minimum of three votes in … Continue reading Regina on the Application of Tagoe-Thompson v the Hospital Managers of the Park Royal Centre: CA 12 Mar 2003
The court was asked whether either, and if so which, of two local authorities have the duty under section 117 of the 1983 Act to provide after-care services on the release of SF aged 23 from compulsory detention for treatment under that Act. The applicant challenged a position statement of South Tyneside Council, suggesting that … Continue reading Sunderland City Council, Regina (on The Application of) v South Tyneside Council: Admn 15 Jul 2011
Appeal against sentence for making hoax bomb calls. A hospital order had been made under section 31, and she now appealed against the section 41 restriction order. Held: The hospital, in reality, is operating as a form of prison, because she is not making medical headway there, but it is not a particularly effective prison … Continue reading Regina v HP (Aka C): CACD 26 May 2010
A mental health review tribunal had recommended the conditional release of the applicant, a restricted patient in a high security hospital. A community social worker’s report was only later made available to the tribunal. Held: There was no need for the matter to go to the Secretary of State for him to order a fresh … Continue reading Regina (C) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 15 May 2002
G was a prisoner who was refused permission by the Home Secretary to consult a solicitor with a view to bringing libel proceedings against a prison officer. The court construed article 6 of ECHR, which provides that ‘in the determination of his civil rights . . everyone is entitled to a fair . . hearing’, … Continue reading Golder v The United Kingdom: ECHR 21 Feb 1975
The applicant was a restricted mental patient. His conditional release had been ordered, but required a consultant psychiatrist to be found who would agree to supervise him. None such could be found, and his detention continued. After two years he contended that his continued detention infringed his human rights. Held: Campbell’s case required s73 to … Continue reading Regina (IH) v Secretary of State for the Home Department and Another: CA 15 May 2002
The defendant was convicted of manslaughter with diminished responsibility. The court was now asked whether it was correct to order a discretionary life sentence or to impose a hospital order pursuant to section 37 of the 1983 Act, with a restriction requirement pursuant to section 41. It was accepted that if a hospital order coupled … Continue reading Welsh v Regina: CACD 1 Feb 2011
Prisoner in secure hospital – application for public hearig of request for discharge – refused Citations: [2010] UKUT 264 (AAC) Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983, European Convention on Human Rights Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: See Also – AH v West London MHT (J) UTAA 17-Feb-2011 Order for public hearing of detention … Continue reading AH v West London MHT: UTAA 29 Jul 2010
Judges: Ben J Citations: [2008] EWHC 1707 (Admin), [2008] MHLR 290 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 37 41 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health, Crime Updated: 22 August 2022; Ref: scu.277866
The claimant’s daughter had committed suicide after being given home leave on a secure ward by the respondent mental hospital. A claim in negligence had been settled, but the parents now appealed refusal of their claim that the hospital had failed in its article 2 duty to respect her right to life. Held: The decision … Continue reading Rabone and Another v Pennine Care NHS Trust: CA 21 Jun 2010
The claimant had been discharged from inpatient treatment under the 1983 Act, and now sought to oblige the respondent local authorities to provide the assistance he needed. Judges: Hickinbottom J Citations: [2010] EWHC 1462 (Admin), (2010) 13 CCL Rep 454, [2010] BLGR 868, [2010] ACD 86, [2011] PTSR 965 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act … Continue reading Mwanza, Regina (on The Application of) v London Borough of Greenwich and Another: Admn 15 Jun 2010
appeal against a restriction order Citations: [2000] EWCA Crim 17 Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 41 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 15 August 2022; Ref: scu.158667
The claimant’s daughter had committed suicide whilst on home leave from a hospital where she had stayed as a voluntary patient with depression. Her admission had followed a suicide attempt. The hospital admitted negligence but denied that it owed her a positive obligation to protect life under Article 2. Held: The claimants’ appeal succeeded. The … Continue reading Rabone and Another v Pennine Care NHS Foundation: SC 8 Feb 2012
Procedures on Withdrawal of Life Support Treatment The patient had been severely injured in the Hillsborough disaster, and had come to be in a persistent vegetative state (PVS). The doctors sought permission to withdraw medical treatment. The Official Solicitor appealed against an order of the Court of Appeal permitting the action. Held: The appeal failed. … Continue reading Airedale NHS Trust v Bland: HL 4 Feb 1993
Judges: Crane J Citations: [2002] EWHC 1770 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 47 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health, Prisons Updated: 30 July 2022; Ref: scu.347806
The various claimants sought to challenge the 2004 Act by way of judicial review on the grounds that it was ‘a disproportionate, unnecessary and illegitimate interference with their rights to choose how they conduct their lives, and with market freedoms protected by European law; and an unjust interference with economic rights.’ Held: ‘We have concluded … Continue reading Countryside Alliance and others v HM Attorney General and others: Admn 29 Jul 2005
The court dismissed the claimant’s complaint that the seclusion policies operated at Ashworth Special Hospital infringed his human rights. The Special Hospitals operated policies for seclusion which differed from the Code of Practice laid down under the Act. Held: The claim was dismissed. Any seclusion had been of such a short duration as not to … Continue reading Regina v Ashworth Hospital Authority, Ex parte Munjaz (No 2): Admn 5 Jul 2002
The claimant was detained iin a secure mental hospital. He complained of being held in seclusion for a long period, and as to the hospital’s policy. Held: The hospital’s policy, by reducing the frequency of review of a patient’s seclusion below that provided for in the Code of Practice, was unlawful and was not justified … Continue reading Regina v Ashworth Special Hospital Trust, ex parte Munjaz: 10 Oct 2000
The defendant sought judicial review of a decision by the magistrates to proceed with criminal charges against him in his absence. He suffered confirmed depression. There were several adjournments. Held: ‘despite the unsatisfactory and indeed devious nature of the letter of 6th May, there were real grounds before the District Judge to indicate that the … Continue reading Johnson, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 8 Dec 2005
Citations: [1997] EWHC Admin 174 Statutes: Mental Health Act 1983 43 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health Updated: 17 July 2022; Ref: scu.137119