Success at trial for Chris Barnes KC and Stuart McCracken

January 20, 2025

Judgment has been handed down in ZZZ v Ministry of Defence [2025] EWHC 65 (KB).

The Claimant, represented by Chris and Stuart, was successful, establishing primary liability and defeating the defences of volenti, ex turpi causa and contributory negligence. The judgment contains an interesting discussion relating to horseplay/play-fighting and alcohol use in the military.

The Claimant suffered a catastrophic brain injury and the claim will continue to an assessment of quantum.

Chris Barnes KC and Stuart McCracken were instructed by Austen Jones Solicitors.