Summary assessment

Warner Home Video (UK) v Beach and others [2003] EWHC 1818 (Ch)

The defendant sent to the court a document headed ‘Defence’ in which he stated that he disputed the claim in full and would give full answers at the court hearing. On the claimant’s application for judgment in default of defence, the defendant produced a number of documents that might amount to a defence. In those circumstances he was granted an extension of time in which to serve his defence. The claimant was granted its costs of the application, which it sought to have assessed at £3,287. The High Court judge held that this was essentially a straightforward application for which the costs claimed were wholly disproportionate and he allowed £1,500.