BBK secures six-figure award for sexual abuse survivor at High Court

A woman who was abused by her grandfather has been awarded more than £300,000 in compensation after Bolt Burdon Kemp took the case to the High Court.

The woman’s maternal grandfather, now 95-years-old, committed the most serious acts of abuse against our client when she was between the ages of three and nine.

It wasn’t until our client reached the age of 27, and with the support of her husband, that she was able to report the horrendous abuse to the police.

As a result of her report, the defendant was convicted of various sexual offences and sentenced to 13 years imprisonment.

The claimant instructed Bolt Burdon Kemp to secure compensation because of the impact the abuse had on her life. This included the impact on her mental health, education, and employment.

Despite being convicted of offences against our client, the defendant refused to admit responsibility for his terrible crimes throughout the entire claim. As a result, the claimant’s case was heard over two days in the High Court before Mrs Justice Ellenbogen.

Mrs Justice Ellenbogen found resoundingly in favour of the claimant in respect of all aspects of her claim and awarded all damages claimed.

The claimant, anonymised by court order as CAX, was awarded damages in excess of £300,000 (including interest). Her abuser has been ordered to pay this sum by the end of January 2024.

David McClenaghan, who represented the claimant at trial said:

“I am delighted that the claimant has been successful in her case. This award of compensation will allow her to rebuild her life and look forward to a bright future. She has received an award that reflects the devastating impact that the abuse has had on her life. Not only does the award reflect the lost earnings she has suffered but it crucially provides compensation to allow her to access private mental health treatment and will allow her to return to education.”

The full judgment can be found here:

CAX v PQR [2023] EWHC 3198 (KB)