Farleys were instructed on behalf of the Ms M in connection with a claim for damages for negligence, breach of confidentiality and breaches of the Human Rights Act, against the Crown Prosecution Service for disclosing confidential information during a high-profile murder trial.
Ms S’s son, who was a minor at the time of the alleged disclosure, provided sensitive information to Greater Manchester Police in respect of a murder. The information provided was during an “off the record” chat and was provided on the condition that he would not have to give evidence and his details would not be disclosed to the Defendants.
During the course of the criminal proceedings her son’s details were released to the Defendant’s family during the disclosure process by the Crown Prosecution Service. Ms S and her family were informed that there was a real risk to their safety if they continued to live in the area and were advised to relocate. This caused the Ms S and her family significant upset and distress as a result of the disclosure being made.
How Farleys Specialist Solicitors Helped
Ms S suffered from Agoraphobia which was had improved prior to the disclosure of the information. The disclosure led to an exacerbation of her condition meaning she was unable to leave the house. Medical evidence was obtained on her behalf in support of her claim for psychiatric injury and confirmed that the disclosure had exacerbated her pre-existing condition.
Farleys’ claims against public authorities solicitors sent a letter of claim on behalf of Ms S to the CPS, and liability was firmly denied. Our expert team argued that Ms S did not have any claim in the law as the disclosure related to her son and the duty of care did not extend to her. Farleys argued that as Ms S’s son was a minor at the time of the alleged disclosure and as she was his primary carer, this duty of care extended to her.
Despite liability being firmly denied, Here at Farleys our solicitors achieved a settlement in Ms S’s favour in the sum of £11,200 to also include the cost of therapy that was recommended by the Psychiatric expert. Farleys also successfully recovered her legal costs in connection with this claim. To speak to a specialist claims against authorities solicitor call Farleys on 0845 050 1958 or email us.