Janes Solicitors act for Oliver Hardiman in contempt proceedings currently before the High Court King’s Bench Division, brought by The All England Lawn Tennis Club. Both we and our client are reproachful of the irresponsible reporting of these proceedings, especially in circumstances where issues of contempt and imprisonment are at large. It follows that this firm has taken the extraordinary measure of publishing a statement on our website, as well as sending a copy of this statement to the Times.
We and our client were shocked and disappointed to read the sensationalist article by David Brown in The Sunday Times newspaper dated 25 February 2024 regarding the hearing that took place on Wednesday 21 February 2024 in front of Mr Justice Morris, the contents of which bear little resemblance to the hearing itself. Neither us, nor our client were approached for comment before the publication of the article.
For the avoidance of any doubt, Mr. Hardiman is not identified as a “grass” or a “supergrass”, nor has any reference been made to such expressions in the course of these proceedings. The provenance of these expressions remains unclear.
Mr Hardiman is aware of the terms of the injunction order obtained by The All England Lawn Tennis Club and is currently taking legal advice on his obligations contained therein.
JANES SOLICITORS
Solicitors for Oliver Hardiman
28 February 2024