Civil contempt—appealing the decision not to suspend a sentence (Cooper v Ignite International Brands (UK) Ltd and other companies)

Table of contents

• What are the practical implications of this case?
• What was the background
• What did the court decide?
• Case details

Article summary

Dispute Resolution analysis: This was a fairly hopeless appeal against the High Court’s decision to impose an immediate custodial sentence of nine months on Mr Cooper, who was in breach of two separate court orders. The case serves as a reminder that appealing a decision not to suspend a sentence of imprisonment is a high bar and is rarely successful as it requires the appellant to demonstrate that the decision not to suspend the sentence was either manifestly excessive or wrong in principle. In this case, the High Court had taken into account Mr Cooper’s personal mitigation and had regard to the relevant factors when considering whether to suspend the sentence. Accordingly, the appeal failed, and costs were ordered against Mr Cooper. Written by Alexander West, barrister at Albion Chambers, Bristol.