The Supreme Court Costs Office

No.19 of 2006

Cox v MGN Ltd [2006] EWHC 1235 (QB)

26 May 2006

Eady J (Sitting with Assessors)

The Judge on appeal dealt with four preliminary issues which had arisen on detailed assessment:

1. Proportionality (including a review of the authorities).
2. Success fee in proceedings (inter alia) for injunctions to restrain republication of photographs of the claimant on honeymoon, delivery up of copies, compensation under the Data Protection Act and damages. (Success fee: 95% sought, 5% offered, 40% allowed by the Master and upheld on appeal).
3. Hourly expense rate for the partner with conduct for the claimant.
4. Increases in hourly rates under the CFA.

This judgment is an entertaining and informative read.