A remote hearing had taken place during which a party had sworn at the Judge and had repeatedly answered back to the Judge. The Judge had placed the party on mute for some of the hearing but whenever he was unmuted, the party continued to verbally abuse the Judge.
The Judge reported the behaviour as it had a significant effect on them.
The party accepted that his behaviour was inappropriate and apologised for this.
The Judge found that the party had been in contempt of court for his behaviour. In sentencing, the Judge took into account the party’s mental health issues and therefore a suspended sentence was given of 14 days for each of the 4 proven contempt of court incidents to run concurrently, suspended for 12 months.
The Judge gave a reminder that remote hearings are serious and should be treated with the same respect as in person hearings.
The full case can be viewed here:
https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Fam/2022/2529.html
Maria Chainani is an associate in the family department specialising in representing parents, children and extended family members in care proceedings and private law children proceedings. Maria is contactable on 01268 240400 mchainani@anthonyking.co.uk