Client O instructed Farleys Solicitors to bring a CICA claim on her behalf and the claim was submitted on 30 October 2019. Settlement monies were eventually paid by the CICA in April of 2025 following a lengthy appeal process resulting in a Tribunal decision to award Client O a total sum of £204,241.

Background

Client O sadly suffered a prolonged period of physical abuse and sexual exploitation after being prostituted from the age of thirteen. Client O started her life in and out of care before being placed on a full Care Order at six years of age, in which time she resided in sixty different placements. In some of these placements Client O experienced separate periods of sexual abuse and Farleys were able to successfully secure a total of six separate awards for other offences against her.

Client O eventually moved to live with her grandmother in breach of the Care Order in approximately 1998. She became addicted to crack cocaine which was provided by her grandmother, and was also sadly subjected to further physical abuse and prostitution.

Client O subsequently lived in various children’s homes where she was frequently reported missing. She continued to suffer horrific abuse and exploitation including repeated rapes and violence, at which time she conceived a child as a result of rape who was removed at birth. The abuse Client O endured was so severe that it necessitated her being placed in six different secure units for the purpose of her own safety and protection.

Client O had an extensive criminal history as a young adult due to the nature of her lifestyle and as a result of the abuse, with a total of 160 convictions between the age of 12 – 23 and eleven periods of imprisonment throughout her life.

Farleys successfully avoided triggering the CICA prohibition on provision of damages for claimants with convictions by placing Client O’s case with this in mind from the outset and informing the CICA that Client O’s criminal activity was clearly attributed to the abuse she had suffered.

Initial Awards

The CICA made an initial offer of £12,000 which accounted for only part of Client O’s injuries. Farleys submitted a review application making it very clear that that the offer did not address Client O’s continuing and debilitating psychiatric problems, including a diagnosis of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder which affected her day-to-day life. Farleys made it clear to the CICA that Client O struggled immensely to work and spent long periods of time unemployed due to the effects of the abuse she suffered, highlighting that any award would need to cover a Loss of Earnings Award.

Client O received an offer of £21,600 from the CICA in May 2024.

Appeal

Both Client O and Farleys did not agree that the further offer was justified nor did it account of Client O’s extensive loss of earnings. Farleys submitted an appeal on behalf of Client O and instructed a psychiatric expert to provide a report commenting on Client O’s disabling mental injury. Farleys also submitted that Client O deserved a higher award due to complicating factors relating to the abuse such as her conceiving a pregnancy as a result of the abuse and also contracting Hepatitis B.

Client O’s case proceeded to the First Tier Tribunal and a further medical report was obtained to support her case in September 2024.

After a complex and lengthy appeal process which included the submission of a number of Schedules and Counter Schedule of Loss, the Tribunal awarded Client O £204,241 in damages in March 2025, a figure which finally took into account the life-changing effects of the abuse she suffered as a teenager.

With Client O’s help, Farleys managed to secure awards not only for the highest possible tariff but also for her contracting Hepatitis and for a pregnancy, giving the highest overall tariff award we have ever had on a case of this nature.

Client O commented,

“Thank you so much, Jonathan for all your hard work on this case, including your many diligent colleagues. I am extremely pleased with the outcome considering the many complex challenges an applicant like me faces in securing CICA compensation.  After the collapse of the civil case, I remember you telling me not to hold my breath, but through your expert approach, you presented my case in the best way possible that resulted in the best outcome one could hope for, and for that I am truly grateful.

“This is truly life changing money which can change the lives of even the most damaged souls if used carefully, thoughtfully and smartly.  I am off to a rehab centre for two months of impatient treatment. With this recovery I hope to help other young street girls like I was, vulnerable care leavers etc. and I will take the greatest pleasure in steering them in your direction in their quest for some redress and closure. I look forward to continuing following your good work.”

To speak to an expert in CICA abuse claims in confidence, you can call our dedicated abuse line on 0330 134 6430, or you can contact us by email or through the online chat below if you prefer. We know it can be difficult to speak about your experiences but whenever you feel ready, our specialists are available to discuss your claim with the care and sensitivity you deserve.