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30 January 2026 / Dominic Regan
Issue: 8147 / Categories: Features , Public , Contempt , Liability , Tort
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How not to ignore a court order

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Persistence pays (eventually): Dominic Regan charts the course of a long-running David vs Goliath story

The judiciary has a sneaking admiration for plucky individuals who fearfully litigate despite having an opponent with bottomless pockets and the finest lawyers. In Ferguson v British Gas Trading Ltd [2009] EWCA Civ 46, the claimant took on British Gas. ‘It is one of the glories of this country that every now and then one of its citizens is prepared to take a stand against the big battalions of government or industry’, observed Lord Justice Jacob. The claimant ended her gas supply contract with the defendant, which continued to bombard her with bills. The defendant then threatened to report her to a credit rating agency. The claimant sued. The defendant failed to get the claim struck out: the court thought she had a good claim.

Legal skirmishes

Now in the spotlight is Nadine Buzzard-Quashie, who has given the chief constable of Northamptonshire Police and his team a sound thrashing. I thought her name rang a bell; indeed, she got to

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Anthony Collins—20 promotions

Anthony Collins—20 promotions

20 promotions mark major people investment at national law firm, Anthony Collins

Sidley—Elaine Whiteford

Sidley—Elaine Whiteford

Sidley adds competition litigator Elaine Whiteford in London

Charles Russell Speechlys—Claudina D’Costa

Charles Russell Speechlys—Claudina D’Costa

Charles Russell Speechlys welcomes Claudina D’Costa as Director of Client Development Marketing

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