SWEENEY v. SIR ROBERT McALPINE & SONS LTD.

[1974] 1 Lloyd's Rep. 128

COURT OF APPEAL

Before Lord Denning, M.R., Lord Justice Stamp and Lord Justice Roskill

Practice - Personal injury claim - Want of prosecution - Dismissal of action - Delay - Prejudice to defendant - Delay before and after issue of writ - Delay before issue of writ permissible under limitation rules - Failure to deliver statement of claim within prescribed period or agreed extension - Delay inexcusable - Court entitled to have regard to overall period since date of accident in determining whether delay inordinate and prejudicial to defendant.