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Mirror Group Newspapers Plc v Maxwell and Others (No 2): ChD 15 Jul 1997

The Court reminded insolvency practitioners of fiduciary duties to creditors when refusing application for further payment on account of costs. Ferris J considered the principles applicable to fixing the remuneration of receivers of the estate of Robert Maxwell appointed by the court under section 37 of the 1981 Act. Their total recoveries before their remuneration … Continue reading Mirror Group Newspapers Plc v Maxwell and Others (No 2): ChD 15 Jul 1997

In re T and N Ltd and Others (No 3): ChD 16 Jun 2006

The court considered the application of ‘the bankruptcy template of section 382 to the rules governing the winding up of companies’. Held: The phrase ‘obligation incurred’ in Rule 13.2(1)(b) was inapt to describe a common law duty of care in negligence which existed on and was breached by a company before liquidation, but where actionable … Continue reading In re T and N Ltd and Others (No 3): ChD 16 Jun 2006

Sparkasse Hilden Ratingen Velbert v Benk and Another: ChD 29 Aug 2012

The claimant bank said that the court had had no jurisdiction to make the order it had on the respondent’s bankruptcy, saying that his ‘centre of activity’ had been Germany, and not England. Judges: Purle QC J Citations: [2012] EWHC 2432 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Insolvency Act 1986 282(1)(a), Council Regulation (EC) No 1346/2000 of … Continue reading Sparkasse Hilden Ratingen Velbert v Benk and Another: ChD 29 Aug 2012

Halabi v London Borough of Camden: ChD 14 Feb 2008

Ms Halabi applied to annul her bankruptcy order, made for non payment of her rates. She applied within approximately 6 months of her adjudication. Her bankrupt estate was solvent but illiquid. She had not previously appreciated that she had sufficient equity in her property (over andpound;70k) to borrow sufficient to discharge her debt. Held: The … Continue reading Halabi v London Borough of Camden: ChD 14 Feb 2008

Ingram and Another v Commissioners of Inland Revenue: HL 10 Dec 1998

To protect her estate from Inheritance Tax, the deceased gave land to her solicitor, but then took back a lease. The solicitor then conveyed the land on freehold on to members of her family. Held: The lease-back by the nominee was not void as a grant of a lease to herself. Lord Hoffmann said: ‘whether … Continue reading Ingram and Another v Commissioners of Inland Revenue: HL 10 Dec 1998

QRS 1 APS and others v Frandsen: CA 21 May 1999

The appellants were all Danish companies put into liquidation for asset stripping in contravention of Danish law. The respondent was resident in the UK and had owned them. The Danish tax authorities issued tax demands and the liquidators now sought a similar sum in damages against the respondent. Held: An English court will not enforce … Continue reading QRS 1 APS and others v Frandsen: CA 21 May 1999

Quickson (South and West) Limited v Stephen Mark Katz, John Stephen Kelmanson (As Joint Liquidators of Buildlead Limited): ChD 25 Aug 2004

Various applications were made in the insolvency, including for removal of the liquidators and declarations that certain payments were a fraudulent preference on the creditors. Held: No prejudice had been shown by any procedural irregularity. Other creditors should be able to see that there is a proper investigation of relevant matters relating to inter-company transfers, … Continue reading Quickson (South and West) Limited v Stephen Mark Katz, John Stephen Kelmanson (As Joint Liquidators of Buildlead Limited): ChD 25 Aug 2004

Regina v Kansal: CACD 24 Jun 1992

K had been convicted of two counts of obtaining property by deception contrary to section 15 of the Theft Act 1968. He was also convicted of two counts under the Insolvency Act 1986, namely that being a bankrupt (a) he removed property which he was required to deliver up to the Official Receiver or his … Continue reading Regina v Kansal: CACD 24 Jun 1992

Re Palmer (A Deceased Debtor), Palmer v Palmer: CA 6 Apr 1994

Property had been conveyed to the deceased and the appellant, his widow, to be held as joint tenants. The deceased dies whilst under investigation for defalcations as a solicitor, and an insolvency administration order was obtained in the estate. The wife argued that by the doctrine of survivorship the house was already hers. The administrator … Continue reading Re Palmer (A Deceased Debtor), Palmer v Palmer: CA 6 Apr 1994

Dennison v Krasner, Lesser, Lawrence: CA 6 Apr 2000

A retirement annuity or personal pension was part of a bankrupt’s estate before the recent Act, and vested immediately in the trustee on the bankruptcy. As such there was no need to make application to the court under s310 for an income payment order before those assets could be made available to the creditors. Acts … Continue reading Dennison v Krasner, Lesser, Lawrence: CA 6 Apr 2000

In Re Park Air Services Plc; Christopher Moran Holdings Ltd v Bairstow and Another: HL 4 Feb 1999

The tenant company went into liquidation, the receiver disclaimed the lease, and the landlord claimed compensation under the Act. The question concerned how the compensation was to be calculated. Held: Where a solvent tenant under an onerous lease goes into voluntary liquidation, and the liquidator disclaims the lease, the right to payment of rent disappears, … Continue reading In Re Park Air Services Plc; Christopher Moran Holdings Ltd v Bairstow and Another: HL 4 Feb 1999

Foxley v United Kingdom: ECHR 20 Jun 2000

A bankrupt was suspected of disposing of his assets to avoid a confiscation order. The trustee in bankruptcy obtained an order for the bankrupt’s post to be diverted to her whilst he was in prison. She opened all post and copied it before forwarding it to the bankrupt. This included correspondence with his legal advisers. … Continue reading Foxley v United Kingdom: ECHR 20 Jun 2000

Bowman v Fels (Bar Council and Others intervening): CA 8 Mar 2005

The parties had lived together in a house owned in the defendant’s name and in which she claimed an interest. The claimant’s solicitors notified NCIS that they thought the defendant had acted illegally in setting off against his VAT liability the VAT on works carried out on his own property. Because of the delay which … Continue reading Bowman v Fels (Bar Council and Others intervening): CA 8 Mar 2005

Ashe v Mumford and Others: ChD 7 Mar 2000

The Regulation under question was procedural;, and a failure to comply with its requirements was not to be deemed fatal. The requirement for a trustee to identify the transactions to be set aside did not require every single part of the scheme to be detailed, provided as in this case the purpose of the scheme … Continue reading Ashe v Mumford and Others: ChD 7 Mar 2000

Re Bullard and Taplin Ltd: ChD 1996

Tne question of whether there was at any time ‘pending court proceedings’ was answered by asking if there existed a court file. The section empowered a court itself to appoint another trustee in bankruptcy. Section 41 of the 1984 Act could be used by the HighCourt to take some control over proceedings for an individual … Continue reading Re Bullard and Taplin Ltd: ChD 1996

Jacobs v Official Receiver; In re Jacobs (a bankrupt): ChD 3 Apr 1998

The bankrupt was due to have his automatic discharge, but the Official Receiver applied on the day before for the discharge for an interim suspension of the discharge to allow consideration of his alleged lack of co-operation. The bankrupt said the court had no power to make such an order. The Official receiver had served … Continue reading Jacobs v Official Receiver; In re Jacobs (a bankrupt): ChD 3 Apr 1998

A Debtor v Focus Insurance Co Ltd (In Liquidation): ChD 12 Jul 1993

An expedited bankruptcy petition could be filed, despite the existence of an outstanding application to set aside the statutory demand on which it was based. Section 270 overrides section 267(2(d). Judges: Mummery J Citations: Times 12-Jul-1993 Statutes: Insolvency Act 1986 270, Insolvency Rules 1986 (1986 No 1925) Insolvency Updated: 15 May 2022; Ref: scu.77574

Re A Debtor (No.488 IO of 1996), JP v A Debtor: ChD 1999

The debtor had been ordered to pay his wife a sum by way of ancillary relief in matrimonial proceedings. He then proposed an IVA, which was approved at a creditors meeting. W had notice but did not attend. She along with all other creditors was to receive a part payment in full and final settlement. … Continue reading Re A Debtor (No.488 IO of 1996), JP v A Debtor: ChD 1999

Mulkerrins v Pricewaterhousecoopers (A Firm): CA 12 Jan 2001

A trustee in bankruptcy had had vested in him the legal title to an action for damages for the loss to personal reputation and status of the bankrupt. Held: A declaration that he had no interest in a claim for damages against a former insolvency practitioner, was not a judgment in rem, making him a … Continue reading Mulkerrins v Pricewaterhousecoopers (A Firm): CA 12 Jan 2001

Masters and Others v Leaver: CA 2 Sep 1999

A judgment obtained by default against a bankrupt in a foreign jurisdiction, was not sufficient evidence of itself, to establish that the debt which it proved had been obtained or created by fraud, or by a fraud to which they were a party. The party had been debarred from defending himself, and a finding on … Continue reading Masters and Others v Leaver: CA 2 Sep 1999

In Re Lee (A Bankrupt): CA 22 Aug 1999

The court has sufficient discretion to order that the surplus proceeds of sale of a leasehold interest could be paid to the liquidator despite his having himself disclaimed any interest in the lease. Nobody else had claimed an interest, and the creditors should receive the benefit. This was sensible despite the apparent termination of the … Continue reading In Re Lee (A Bankrupt): CA 22 Aug 1999

Lord Ashburton v Pape: CA 1913

Pape’s bankruptcy discharge was opposed by Lord Ashburton. He subpoenaed Brooks, a clerk to Lord Ashburton’s solicitor and obtained privileged letters written by Lord Ashburton to Mr Nocton, which Pape proposed to use. Pape and Brooks had colluded. But, it was accepted, there was no direct confidential relation between Pape and Lord Ashburton. Held: Lord … Continue reading Lord Ashburton v Pape: CA 1913

Re Priory Garage (Walthamstow) Limited: ChD 2001

The court considered the relevance of a statutory limitation period in relation to applications to set aside transactions as being at an undervalue or as voidable preferences under section 238 to 241 of the 1986 Act. Applications to set aside transactions under the sections are generally actions on a specialty within the meaning of section … Continue reading Re Priory Garage (Walthamstow) Limited: ChD 2001

In Re A and C Supplies Limited: ChD 17 Oct 1997

Applications were made for the removal of a liquidator from several appointments in corporate nd individual insolvencies. He had been a partner in a firm and that had ceased in a way which left it impossible to work with his former partners to perform his duties. Held: The appointments were personal, and the only practical … Continue reading In Re A and C Supplies Limited: ChD 17 Oct 1997

Lep Air Services v Rolloswin Investments Ltd; Moschi v LEP Air Services: HL 1973

The obligation of a guarantor under a contract ‘is not an obligation himself to pay a sum of money to the creditor, but an obligation to see to it that another person, the debtor, does something.’ When a repudiatory breach is accepted by the injured party to discharge the contract, all primary obligations remaining for … Continue reading Lep Air Services v Rolloswin Investments Ltd; Moschi v LEP Air Services: HL 1973

Moore Stephens (A Firm) v Stone Rolls Ltd (in liquidation): HL 30 Jul 2009

The appellants had audited the books of the respondent company, but had failed to identify substantial frauds by an employee of the respondent. The auditors appealed a finding of professional negligence, relying on the maxim ex turpi causa non oritur actio. Held: (Mance and Scott LL dissenting) The appeal succeeded. The company could not bring … Continue reading Moore Stephens (A Firm) v Stone Rolls Ltd (in liquidation): HL 30 Jul 2009

Re Kumar (A Bankrupt), ex parte Lewis v Kumar: 1993

H had transferred his interest in the jointly owned matrimonial home to W for her promise to have sole liability for the mortgage debt. Nearly a year later her divorce claim for capital provision was dismissed by consent on the basis that H had already transferred his interests to W. H was bankrupted, and his … Continue reading Re Kumar (A Bankrupt), ex parte Lewis v Kumar: 1993

Peter Buchanan Limited and Macharg v McVey: 1954

(Supreme Court of Ireland) The plaintiff was a company registered in Scotland put into compulsory liquidation by the revenue under a substantial claim for excess profits tax and income tax. The liquidator was really a nominee of the revenue. The defendant director had realised all the company’s assets and having paid all the debts save … Continue reading Peter Buchanan Limited and Macharg v McVey: 1954

Speed Seal Ltd v Paddington: CA 1985

The court was asked whether the defendant should be permitted to add to his pleadings a counterclaim asserting that the action was brought in bad faith for the ulterior motive of damaging the defendants’ business, and not for the protection of any legitimate interest of the plaintiffs. Held: It is an abuse of process to … Continue reading Speed Seal Ltd v Paddington: CA 1985

Platts v Western Trust and Savings Ltd: CA 9 Jun 1993

The court examined the extent of the Judge’s discretion on hearing an application to set aside a statutory demand. When property was valued for the purposes of a statutory demand, it should be as on a forced sale. A ‘forced sale’ was taken as one requiring completion within four months. The judge, in dealing with … Continue reading Platts v Western Trust and Savings Ltd: CA 9 Jun 1993

In Re A Debtor (No 32 of 1993): ChD 1 Mar 1994

A voluntary arrangement can be offered where only one creditor may stay bankruptcy proceedings. Rejection of less than the full amount by a petitioning creditor was not necessarily unreasonable. Judges: Mr Timothy Lloyd QC Citations: Times 01-Mar-1994, Gazette 11-May-1994, [1994] 1WLR 899 Statutes: Insolvency Act 1986 271(3)(c) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – … Continue reading In Re A Debtor (No 32 of 1993): ChD 1 Mar 1994

In the Estate of Borger Deceased: 1912

Supreme Court Victoria – Will – Construction – Legacy, lapse of – Death of beneficiary ‘before he shall have become entitled,’ meaning of. A testator devised his real estate to trustees upon trust for his brother J until his youngest surviving brother or sister should attain the age of twenty-one years, and thereafter for the … Continue reading In the Estate of Borger Deceased: 1912

Razzaq v Pala: QBD 6 Jun 1997

The forfeiture of a bankrupt’s lease is not an exercise of a security disallowing landlord from proving in the bankruptcy. the right of physical re-entry is neither a ‘security’ nor a ‘remedy’ within the meaning of those provisions, nor does it constitute ‘other proceedings’ or the execution of ‘other legal process’. The present law is … Continue reading Razzaq v Pala: QBD 6 Jun 1997

In Re Palmer, Deceased (A Debtor): ChD 25 Mar 1994

The court considered the effect of the doctrine of relation back on a property of which the bankrupt was formerly a joint tenant where the bankrupt had died after the act of bankruptcy but before adjudication. Held: A deceased’s share in property held under a joint tenancy was not caught by an insolvency after the … Continue reading In Re Palmer, Deceased (A Debtor): ChD 25 Mar 1994

In Re Melinek (A Bankrupt); Bristol & West Building Society v Alexander (The Trustee Of The Property of Back) (A Bankrupt); Melinek (A Bankrupt): ChD 10 Apr 1997

The applicants sought leave to proceed in actions against the defendants against whom bankruptcy proceedings were pending. Consent should have been obtained before proceedings were issued, but application was now made nunc pro tunc. Held: The court has a free hand in these situations to do what was right and fair. Leave was granted. Judges: … Continue reading In Re Melinek (A Bankrupt); Bristol & West Building Society v Alexander (The Trustee Of The Property of Back) (A Bankrupt); Melinek (A Bankrupt): ChD 10 Apr 1997

Rhodes v Allied Dunbar Pension Services Ltd: CA 1989

The intermediate tenant had charged the lease to the bank, which appointed receivers. Both the sub rent and the head rent fell into arrears. The head landlord then served a notice direct on the subtenant requiring him to pay the rent direct to the head landlord. The receiver then levied distress againt the sub tenant. … Continue reading Rhodes v Allied Dunbar Pension Services Ltd: CA 1989

Hope v Revenue and Customs: ChD 6 Apr 2017

By a Part 7 claim, the Respondent to a bankruptcy petition presented by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (‘HMRC’), Emma Hope, seeks to set aside a previous judgment of the High Court, on the ground that the it was obtained as a result of fraudulent misrepresentations. The claim also seeks damages for HMRC’s ‘acts of … Continue reading Hope v Revenue and Customs: ChD 6 Apr 2017

Westminster City Council v National Asylum Support Service: HL 17 Oct 2002

The applicant sought assistance from the local authority. He suffered from spinal myeloma, was destitute and an asylum seeker. Held: Although the Act had withdrawn the obligation to provide assistance for many asylum seekers, those who were infirm and whose infirmity was not a consequence of their destitution, had not been excluded. Only able bodied … Continue reading Westminster City Council v National Asylum Support Service: HL 17 Oct 2002

Re Ledingham-Smith: ChD 1993

The bankrupt’s accountants had been paid their fees by standing order. Arrears mounted and the sum was increased. On the bankruptcy, the trustee sought to recover the increased payment. The court considered whether they had been given a preference. Held: The accountants had continued to act, and therefore were not in a better position than … Continue reading Re Ledingham-Smith: ChD 1993

Day v Haine and Another: ChD 19 Oct 2007

The liquidator sought directions from the court after former employees of the company submitted proofs of debt in respect of protective awards made for the company’s failure to consult on their redundancy before going into liquidation. Held: The Act provided one remedy only for enforcement, and the debts were not provable. At the date of … Continue reading Day v Haine and Another: ChD 19 Oct 2007

Oraki and Another v Dean and Dean: ChD 11 Jan 2017

Application for annulment of bankruptcies. Held: Though the judgment upon whih the order had originally been made had been obtained by fraud, that did not of itself discharge the bankruptcy. Judges: Robert Ham QC Citations: [2017] EWHC 11 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Insolvency Act 1986 264 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Insolvency Updated: 29 January 2022; … Continue reading Oraki and Another v Dean and Dean: ChD 11 Jan 2017

HM Revenue and Customs v Ariel: ChD 8 Jul 2016

The trustee in bankruptcy appealed against an order as to compliance with statutory notices issued by HMRC. The trustee argued that all but one of the orders was made in excess of jurisdiction. Mann J [2016] EWHC 1674 (Ch) Bailii Insolvency Act 1986 303, Finance Act 2008 Sch 36 England and Wales Insolvency, Taxes Management … Continue reading HM Revenue and Customs v Ariel: ChD 8 Jul 2016

Re Paramount Airways Ltd (In Administration): CA 8 Apr 1992

It was said that there had been a transction at an undervalue within section 238. It was given effect by a transfer to a bank in Jersey, from which recovery was no sought. The bank claimed that the section did not have extra-territorial effect. Held: The argument failed; the section did not purport to have … Continue reading Re Paramount Airways Ltd (In Administration): CA 8 Apr 1992

LB Holdings Intermediate 2 Ltd, The Joint Administrators of v Lehman Brothers International (Europe), The Joint Administrators of and Others: SC 17 May 2017

In the course of the insolvent administration of the bank, substantial additional sums were received. Parties appealed against some orders made on the application to court for directions as to what was to be done with the surplus. Held: The Court considered the so called waterfall of distributions made on liquidation which proved to be … Continue reading LB Holdings Intermediate 2 Ltd, The Joint Administrators of v Lehman Brothers International (Europe), The Joint Administrators of and Others: SC 17 May 2017

C Plc and W v P and Secretary of State for the Home Office and the Attorney General: ChD 26 May 2006

The claimant sought damages from the first defendant for breach of copyright. An ex parte search order had been executed, with the defendant asserting his privilege against self-incrimination. As computer disks were examined, potentially unlawful images of children were found. The searching officer asked the court for directions as to what to do. Held: The … Continue reading C Plc and W v P and Secretary of State for the Home Office and the Attorney General: ChD 26 May 2006

National Asset Loan Management Ltd v Cahillane: ChD 20 Jan 2015

Appeal by the petitioning creditor, National Asset Loan Management Limited (‘NALM’), against the orders of Chief Registrar Baister dated 23rd June 2014, adjourning NALM’s bankruptcy petition and making directions on an application dated 20th June 2014 by the debtor, Mr Cahillane, brought under s.375 of the Insolvency Act 1986 Kevin Prosser QC [2015] EWHC 62 … Continue reading National Asset Loan Management Ltd v Cahillane: ChD 20 Jan 2015

Sands and Another v Singh and Others: ChD 1 Jun 2015

The court was asked whether or not the applicant trustees in bankruptcy of Mr. Tarlochan Singh (‘the bankrupt’) have lost all their rights under the provisions of s. 283A of the Insolvency Act 1986 (‘the Act’) to a particular property. The property was at the date of the bankruptcy registered in the bankrupt’s name. It … Continue reading Sands and Another v Singh and Others: ChD 1 Jun 2015

A, K, M, Q and G v HM Treasury: Admn 24 Apr 2008

The applicants were suspected of terrorist associations. Their bank accounts and similar had been frozen. They challenged the Order in Council under which the orders had been made without an opportunity for parliamentary challenge or approval. Held: The Orders must be set aside. ‘It is I think obvious that this procedure does not begin to … Continue reading A, K, M, Q and G v HM Treasury: Admn 24 Apr 2008

TZ v General Medical Council: Admn 17 Apr 2015

Appeal against decision of a Fitness to Practise Panel holding that the Appellant’s fitness to practise as a medical practitioner was impaired by reason of his misconduct. It directed that his name be erased from the Medical Register under section 35D of the Act. Acting as a locum at an AandE hospital attending a young … Continue reading TZ v General Medical Council: Admn 17 Apr 2015

Occidental Exploration and Production Company vRepublic of Ecuador: CA 9 Sep 2005

The parties had arbitrated their dispute in London under a bilateral investment treaty between the US and Ecuador. The republic sought to appeal the arbitration. The applicant now appealed an order that the English High Court had jurisdiction to hear the appeal. Held: The appeal was dismissed. The treaty was intended to encourage bilateral trading … Continue reading Occidental Exploration and Production Company vRepublic of Ecuador: CA 9 Sep 2005

National Westminster Bank Plc v Spectrum Plus Ltd and others: ChD 15 Jan 2004

The company granted a debenture to the claimant purporting to secure its book debts. The company went into liquidation. The liquidator challenged the bank’s charge. Held: Siebe was wrongly decided. The charge was ineffective over the book debts. Vice Chancellor Andrew Morritt [2004] 2 WLR 783, [2004] 1 All ER 981, [2004] BCC 51, [2004] … Continue reading National Westminster Bank Plc v Spectrum Plus Ltd and others: ChD 15 Jan 2004

Siebe Gorman and Co Ltd v Barclays Bank Ltd: ChD 1979

It was possible to create a fixed charge over present and future book debts and on its true construction, the debenture granted to Barclays Bank Ltd in this case had done so. If the chargor of book debts, having collected the book debts, ‘[had] had the unrestricted right to deal with the proceeds of any … Continue reading Siebe Gorman and Co Ltd v Barclays Bank Ltd: ChD 1979

National Westminster Bank plc v Spectrum Plus Limited and others: HL 30 Jun 2005

Former HL decision in Siebe Gorman overruled The company had become insolvent. The bank had a debenture and claimed that its charge over the book debts had become a fixed charge. The preferential creditors said that the charge was a floating charge and that they took priority. Held: The appeal was allowed. The debenture, although … Continue reading National Westminster Bank plc v Spectrum Plus Limited and others: HL 30 Jun 2005

L v L and Hughes Fowler Carruthers: QBD 1 Feb 2007

The parties were engaged in ancillary relief proceedings. The Husband complained that the wife had sought to use unlawfully obtained information, and in these proceedings sought delivery up of the material from the wife and her solicitors. He said that the information was subject to professional legal privilege and was otherwise confidential. They had admitted … Continue reading L v L and Hughes Fowler Carruthers: QBD 1 Feb 2007

Buckinghamshire County Council v Moran: CA 13 Feb 1989

The parties’ respective properties were separated by a fence or hedge and the true owner had no access to the disputed land. In 1967 the Defendants’ predecessors in title began to maintain the land by mowing the grass and trimming the hedges and using the land for their own purposes. The evidence was that the … Continue reading Buckinghamshire County Council v Moran: CA 13 Feb 1989

Bradford and Bingley Plc v Rashid: HL 12 Jul 2006

Disapplication of Without Prejudice Rules The House was asked whether a letter sent during without prejudice negotiations which acknowledged a debt was admissible to restart the limitation period. An advice centre, acting for the borrower had written, in answer to a claim by the lender for the sum still due after the sale of the … Continue reading Bradford and Bingley Plc v Rashid: HL 12 Jul 2006

Flightline Ltd v Edwards and Another: ChD 2 Aug 2002

Money had been paid into an account in the joint names of the parties’ solicitors in order to purchase the release of the applicants from an asset freezing order. The respondent company was in liquidation. It was argued that the payment of funds into the joint account made the claimant a secured creditor. The liquidators … Continue reading Flightline Ltd v Edwards and Another: ChD 2 Aug 2002

Salliss v Hunt and Others: ChD 10 Feb 2014

The bankrupt appealed from a refusal of his challenge to the remuneration claimed by his trustees in that bankruptcy. Held: On an an application for annulment of a bankruptcy, there was no need of principle why the court should allow for a debt due to a creditor, where that creditor knew of the bankruptcy but … Continue reading Salliss v Hunt and Others: ChD 10 Feb 2014

Regina v Daniel: CACD 22 Mar 2002

The defendant appealed a conviction for hiding assets from her receiver following her bankruptcy. He said that recent case law suggested that the burden of establishing the defence under section 352 was evidential only. Held: The conviction predated the Human Rights Act, and was correct at the time. The Carass ruling applied also to the … Continue reading Regina v Daniel: CACD 22 Mar 2002

Horton v Henry: CA 7 Oct 2016

No obligation on bankrupt to draw on pension fund The trustee in bankruptcy appealed against a decision dismissing his application for an income payments order pursuant to section 310 of the 1986 Act in respect of income which might become payable to the respondent from his personal pension policies, were he to exercise his contractual … Continue reading Horton v Henry: CA 7 Oct 2016

Williams v Glover and Another: ChD 4 Jun 2013

The company’s liquidator had refused to assign to its former directors a claim for a reduction in corporation tax which they were funding. Held: Such a claim did not constitute property within section 436, and was not a chose capable of assignment. All that could be assigned would be the right to appeal. Since the … Continue reading Williams v Glover and Another: ChD 4 Jun 2013

Lewis and Another v Metropolitan Property Realizations Ltd: ChD 21 Nov 2008

Nothing in the 2003 changes to the 1986 Act operated so that a trustee in bankruptcy who sold an interest of the bankrupt for a deferred payment had not realised the interest. Accordingly, on the bankrupt’s release, that interest had been assigned out of the bankrupt’s estate and did not revert to him. Proudman J … Continue reading Lewis and Another v Metropolitan Property Realizations Ltd: ChD 21 Nov 2008

Nolan v Wright: ChD 26 Feb 2009

The defendant sought to re-open the question of whether the charge under which he might otherwise be liable was an extortionate credit bargain. The creditor said that that plea was time barred. The defendant argued that a finding that the agreement amounted to an extortionate bargain would not be a substantive relief, and was therefore … Continue reading Nolan v Wright: ChD 26 Feb 2009

Saunders v The United Kingdom: ECHR 17 Dec 1996

(Grand Chamber) The subsequent use against a defendant in a prosecution, of evidence which had been obtained under compulsion in company insolvency procedures was a convention breach of Art 6. Although not specifically mentioned in Article 6 of the Convention the right to silence and the right not to incriminate oneself are generally recognised international … Continue reading Saunders v The United Kingdom: ECHR 17 Dec 1996

Ghaidan v Godin-Mendoza: HL 21 Jun 2004

Same Sex Partner Entitled to tenancy Succession The protected tenant had died. His same-sex partner sought a statutory inheritance of the tenancy. Held: His appeal succeeded. The Fitzpatrick case referred to the position before the 1998 Act: ‘Discriminatory law undermines the rule of law because it is the antithesis of fairness. It brings the law … Continue reading Ghaidan v Godin-Mendoza: HL 21 Jun 2004

Attorney-General’s Reference (No 7 of 2000): CACD 29 Mar 2001

The defendant had been convicted of offences under the Insolvency Act. Evidence of his gambling was found in cheque stubs, bank statements, returned cheques and a betting file containing loose gambling statements by way of computer print outs produced by Ladbrokes and a bookmaker’s schedule of gambling transactions. The bankrupt had not contributed himself to … Continue reading Attorney-General’s Reference (No 7 of 2000): CACD 29 Mar 2001

Austin v Mayor and Burgesses of The London Borough of Southwark: SC 23 Jun 2010

The appellant’s brother had been the secure tenant of the respondent Council which had in 1987 obtained an order for possession for rent arrears suspended on condition. The condition had not been complied with, but the brother had continued to live in the house paying rent and sums from the arrears until he died in … Continue reading Austin v Mayor and Burgesses of The London Borough of Southwark: SC 23 Jun 2010

Prest v Petrodel Resources Ltd and Others: SC 12 Jun 2013

In the course of ancillary relief proceedings in a divorce, questions arose regarding company assets owned by the husband. The court was asked as to the power of the court to order the transfer of assets owned entirely in the company’s names. The judge had made such an order, finding evidence that the companies had … Continue reading Prest v Petrodel Resources Ltd and Others: SC 12 Jun 2013

Wright and Another (Liquidators of SHB Realisations Ltd) v The Prudential Assurance Company Ltd: ChD 6 Mar 2018

IVA is a special form of contract Liquidators asked the court whether sums sought by the insolvent company’s landlords were payable and or provable. Under an IVA, the copany had been paying reduced rents, but the arrangement document provided that the full rents would be restored on its cessation. The liquidators challenged the clause as … Continue reading Wright and Another (Liquidators of SHB Realisations Ltd) v The Prudential Assurance Company Ltd: ChD 6 Mar 2018

Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission v Beesley and Another: ChD 11 Mar 2010

The agency challenged the inclusion in an individual voluntary arrangement of the father’s arrears of child support. The creditors meeting had approved a full and final settlement. 94% of the debts were arrears of child support. The Commission said that such arrears were not subject to the arrangement, and the arrangement was unfair to it. … Continue reading Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission v Beesley and Another: ChD 11 Mar 2010

McGuinness v Norwich and Peterborough Building Society: CA 9 Nov 2011

The appellant had guaranteed his brother’s loan from the respondent, and the guarantee having been called in and unpaid, he had been made bankrupt. He now appealed saying that the guarantee debt, even though of a fixed amount could not form the basis of a statutory demand without action being taken on the debt first. … Continue reading McGuinness v Norwich and Peterborough Building Society: CA 9 Nov 2011

McCartney and Unite The Union and Another v Nortel Networks UK Ltd (In Administration): ChD 22 Apr 2010

The administrators gave employees of the company notice of termination of their employment. Then administrators refused consent under para 43(6) to actions against the company in the Northern Ireland Industrial Tribunal for protective awards, unfair dismissal, breach of contract and otherwise. The claims were issued anyway, and the administrators argued that they were a nullity, … Continue reading McCartney and Unite The Union and Another v Nortel Networks UK Ltd (In Administration): ChD 22 Apr 2010

In re Brightlife Ltd: ChD 1987

Parties contractual freedom to be respected A clause in a debenture gave a charge which provided that the chargor should not: ‘deal with its book or other debts or securities for money otherwise than in the ordinary course of getting in and realising the same which expression shall not authorise the selling, factoring or discounting … Continue reading In re Brightlife Ltd: ChD 1987

Lewis and Another v Metropolitan Property Realisations Ltd: CA 12 Jun 2009

The bankrupts appealed against the refusal of a declaration that their home was now free of the claims of the defendants who had taken an assignment from the trustee in bankruptcy of the trustee’s interest in the house for a consideration of a share in any value on a sale. Held: The 1986 Act had … Continue reading Lewis and Another v Metropolitan Property Realisations Ltd: CA 12 Jun 2009

McGrath and others v Riddell and others: HL 9 Apr 2008

(Orse In Re HIH Casualty and General Insurance Ltd)HIH, an Australian Insurance company, became insolvent. An order was sought for the collection and remission of it assets in England under a letter of request from the Australia Court. Held: Once it was accepted that an English court may order the liquidator here to remit funds … Continue reading McGrath and others v Riddell and others: HL 9 Apr 2008

Regina v Kearns: CACD 22 Mar 2002

The defendant had failed to account for the disappearance of a substantial part of his estate to the official receiver following his bankruptcy. He appealed his conviction for failing to provide an account, saying that the requirement to provide information infringed his right of silence and to a fair trial. Held: The provisions were not … Continue reading Regina v Kearns: CACD 22 Mar 2002

In re Rottmann (a Bankrupt): CA 18 Mar 2009

The bankrupt renewed his request for permission to appeal against a refusal to adjourn his public examination in bankruptcy. The court had allowed a private examination so as not to prejudice pending criminal proceedings in Germany. Held: The court had power to order the hearing to be conducted in private and had done so. A … Continue reading In re Rottmann (a Bankrupt): CA 18 Mar 2009

Rubin and Another v Eurofinance Sa and Others: SC 24 Oct 2012

The Court was asked ‘whether, and if so, in what circumstances, an order or judgment of a foreign court . . in proceedings to adjust or set aside prior transactions, eg preferences or transactions at an undervalue, will be recognised and enforced in England. The appeals also raise the question whether enforcement may be effected … Continue reading Rubin and Another v Eurofinance Sa and Others: SC 24 Oct 2012

Casson and Another v The Law Society: Admn 20 Oct 2009

Two solicitors had been made bankrupt and then discharged from bankruptcy. They suffered adjudications by the SDT awarding compensation for matters occurring before the bankruptcies. They appealed, saying that the awards were bankruptcy debts from which they were discharged. The Law Society submitted that the adjudicators’ awards were discretionary, that no debt or liability arose … Continue reading Casson and Another v The Law Society: Admn 20 Oct 2009

Regina v Immigration Officer at Prague Airport and another, ex parte European Roma Rights Centre and others: HL 9 Dec 2004

Extension oh Human Rights Beyond Borders The appellants complained that the system set up by the respondent where Home Office officers were placed in Prague airport to pre-vet applicants for asylum from Romania were dsicriminatory in that substantially more gypsies were refused entry than others, and that it was contrary to the obligations of the … Continue reading Regina v Immigration Officer at Prague Airport and another, ex parte European Roma Rights Centre and others: HL 9 Dec 2004

Heath v Tang, Stevens v Peacock: CA 11 Aug 1993

The bankrupt applicants each applied to the Court of Appeal for leave to appeal against the judgment for a liquidated sum on which the bankruptcy petition had been based. In the first case, the trustee in bankruptcy indicated his unwillingness to pursue an appeal; in the second, no trustee had been appointed. Held: A bankrupt … Continue reading Heath v Tang, Stevens v Peacock: CA 11 Aug 1993

Truex v Toll: ChD 6 Mar 2009

The bankrupt appealed against an order in bankruptcy made against her on application by her former solicitors in respect of their unpaid costs. The bankrupt said that since the bill was yet untaxed, it might be altered and could not base a statutory demand. Held: The bankrupt’s appeal was allowed. A claim for solicitors’ fees … Continue reading Truex v Toll: ChD 6 Mar 2009