The Consequences of Ignoring Court Orders

In any court, the repercussions of ignoring Court orders can be severe. Non-compliance with Court orders is a significant legal issue that may lead to contempt of Court proceedings.

This principle was recently underscored in the case of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, more widely known as Tommy Robinson, a far-right campaigner embroiled in a major legal battle for allegedly breaching a Court order concerning defamatory statements made against a Syrian refugee.

In July 2021, Syrian teenager Jamal Hijazi successfully sued Yaxley-Lennon for libel, after he falsely labelled him a violent thug. The judge awarded Hijazi £100,000 in damages and explicitly ordered Yaxley-Lennon to refrain from repeating these defamatory claims. However, in blatant disregard for the Court's authority, Yaxley-Lennon  repeated the false accusations, even distributing a film online that reiterated the libel.

What is Contempt of Court?

When the Court orders a party to do something, or to stop doing something, it must be taken seriously. If the Court's order is ignored, you could be held in contempt, which means the Court can take further action against you. For contempt to be established, the Court order in question must be clear and unambiguous. 

Judges have the authority to issue arrest warrants for individuals who disregard Court orders. Yaxley-Lennon was summoned to Court to address allegations of contempt after he repeated the libel he had already been found guilty of. Despite being aware of the scheduled Court appearance, he chose to leave the UK, prompting the judge to issue a warrant for his arrest. When Yaxley-Lennon is brought before a Court, he could be fined or imprisoned.

Courts treat these breaches or orders very seriously, as they undermine the rule of law and the authority of the judicial system. If a defendant fails to appear in Court after an arrest warrant is issued, the case may proceed without their presence,.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to Court orders in all cases, and particularsly within the context of defamation law. As the legal proceedings against Yaxley-Lennon unfold, they are likely to further highlight the serious implications of disregarding the authority of the Court.

If you have been the victim of libel or if someone has accused you of libelling them, it is crucial to seek legal advice promptly. To speak with one of our expert libel lawyers, contact us today to find out how we can help.