His Majesty's Solicitor General v Paul Millinder
[2022] EWHC 2832 (Admin)
Gary Taylor & Anor v Michael Andrew Miller
16 October 2023
[2023] EWHC 3238 (Ch)
High Court
A man ignored court orders not to contact some people. He admitted he was wrong, said sorry, and was fined £1000 instead of going to jail.
Key Facts
- •Mr. Michael Andrew Miller was found in contempt of court for breaching injunctions issued by Mr. Justice Rajah and Mr. Justice Zacaroli.
- •The injunctions prohibited Mr. Miller from harassing protected persons, including the joint trustees in bankruptcy.
- •Mr. Miller admitted to historical breaches of the injunctions but denied intending to harass.
- •The breaches involved numerous emails and voicemails to the trustees despite the orders.
- •No breaches occurred after July 25, 2023, and the injunction appeared to be effective.
- •Mr. Miller appeared in person and apologized for his actions.
- •Mr. Miller is a discharged bankrupt.
Legal Principles
Contempt of court
CPR 81
Protection from Harassment Act 1997
Protection from Harassment Act, 1997
Outcomes
Mr. Miller was found in contempt of court.
Mr. Miller admitted to breaching the injunctions issued by Mr. Justice Rajah and Mr. Justice Zacaroli.
A fine of £1000 was imposed.
The court considered the historical breaches, Mr. Miller's apology, the current compliance with the injunction, and his status as a discharged bankrupt. A custodial sentence was deemed inappropriate.