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Non-compliance with a freezing order

Thisarticle just provides an overview of the law in this area. You should talk to our Disputes Team for a complete understanding of how it may affect your particular circumstances.

Charles Abraham, Head of Disputesexplains what Freezing Orders are and why failure to comply could lead to a prison sentence.

The High Court has found a company and two of its directors and officers in contempt of court for a failure to comply with two court orders. The High Court sentenced the directors to 18 months imprisonment each as they were responsible for the company's failure to comply with the orders.

Both orders contained a penal notice warning the company and its directors of the consequences of non-compliance with its terms. The judge found that the orders had been properly served on the company and its directors but they had not been complied with in any respect. The decision illustrates that deliberate breaches of disclosure orders under freezing orders, are considered to be serious and may result in an immediate substantial sentence of imprisonment.

What is a freezing order?

A freezing order is an interim injunction that restrains a party from disposing of or dealing with his assets. The purpose of a freezing order is, typically, to preserve the defendant's assets until judgment can be enforced.
An interim injunction is a provisional measure sought during legal proceedings, before trial. An injunction is an order of the court that requires a party either to do a specific act, or to refrain from doing a specific act. Interim injunctions are intended to prevent injustice pending trial.

A disclosure order is often crucial to the effectiveness of a freezing order. Typically, the respondent will be given a short time to prepare an affidavit setting out the nature, value and location of his assets. The deadline imposed will depend on the circumstances.

Responding to a freezing order.

Strict compliance with a freezing order and any supporting ancillary order is required. A respondent should take all possible steps to ensure compliance, including giving notice of the terms of the order to all relevant parties such as employees, banks, and others who jointly hold assets with or on behalf of the respondent.

Any breach of the freezing order may lead to committal proceedings for contempt of court.

The respondent should obtain legal advice if he has any doubt as to the effect of the order or the steps required to comply with it.

If you have any queries in relation to this post, please contact our Head of Disputes, Charles Abraham on 0113 201 0405.

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