Hello,
My hearing is coming up on 8th October and I am trying to fully understand to get a good idea of what to say during the hearing as this sort of information is quite confusing.
In a previous letter I received on 20/5/25 it states:
Unless the claimant does by 4 pm on the 10th of September 2025 pay to the court the trial fee of £27 or file a properly completed application (i.e. one which provides all the required information in the manner requested) for help with fees then the claim will be struck out with effect from 10th of September 2025 without further order and unless the court orders otherwise you will also be liable for the costs which the defendant has incurred
Should I have received a letter saying the hearing has been struck out by now?
And any sort of pointers or tips please for the hearing!
I have got the following from AI mind u:
The Claimant's Particulars of Claim fail to disclose a reasonable cause of action as required by Civil Procedure Rule 16.4(1)(a). The claim is inadequately pleaded."
List the specific failings: Explain what is missing from their claim. Use a list to make your points clear and easy to follow:
- They haven't stated the exact terms of the contract I supposedly breached.
- They haven't explained how I am alleged to have breached it.
- The claim does not clarify if I am being sued as the driver or the keeper of the vehicle.
- They have not provided a breakdown of how the claimed sum is calculated.
Reference case law: This adds significant weight to your argument. Mention that similar cases have been struck out. "This isn't a technicality. The court has repeatedly held that such claims are deficient. I have referenced the persuasive appellate decisions of CEL v Chan and CPMS v Akande in my defense, where similar claims were struck out for these very same reasons."
2. Addressing the Claimant's Evidence
- Critique their WS: Point out the shortcomings of their witness statement. "The Claimant's Witness Statement does not cure the deficiencies of their original claim. It's drafted by a paralegal and is not a first-hand account of the events. It's a templated document that simply repeats the same inadequacies as the Particulars of Claim."
- The 13-minute stay: The claimant's evidence mentions the vehicle was on-site for 13 minutes. You should have a plausible explanation ready. "The driver's presence for only 13 minutes suggests they may have been seeking to find parking or payment options before deciding to leave. This is not evidence of a breach of a contract, especially with a lack of clear and accessible signage.
Concluding Remarks
- Reiterate your position: "The Claimant has failed to provide the necessary details for a valid claim. Their case is an abuse of process and has no reasonable prospect of success."
- State your request: "I respectfully request that the court strike out the claim pursuant to CPR 3.4(2)(a) and (b)."
I am worried that if the judge asks me 'why' for any of these statements then I have no idea how to explain the points.
Also, is it likely they could bring up the previous PCNs that I have received from them as per their WS? They have been cancelled now, but do I need a good defence for this?
Thanks