Interior designer committed to prison in dispute with estate agent

On Monday, HHJ Roberts in the County Court at Central London made a suspended committal order against luxury interior designer, Tiggy Butler.  Ms Butler instructed the Rokstone estate agency to sell her home in Chester Terrace.  It sold for £10.3 million, but Ms Butler refused to pay the commission of £318,000.  Following trial, HHJ Johns KC gave judgment for Rokstone and dismissed Ms Butler counterclaim.  He ordered Ms Butler to pay Rokstone’s costs, and to make a payment on account in the sum of £210,000.  Interest has since accrued.

Ms Butler did not pay and so Rokstone obtained an order under Part 71 of the CPR requiring her to attend court for questioning.  Ms Butler failed to attend court on Monday and, just a few hours later, HHJ Roberts was persuaded that she was in contempt of court and that it was appropriate for her to be committed to HMP Pentonville for 14 days unless she attends court on a further date next month.

The Evening Standard has reported this story here.

Tom Morris acted for Rokstone Limited, instructed by Will Thompson at Fladgate LLP.