Sherrards Successfully Defends Court of Appeal Challenge to Prison Sentence for Breach of Freezing Injunction

22nd May 2026 | Karen Dobson | Dispute Resolution, Injunctions, Court of Appeal

Karen Dobson of Sherrards Solicitors successfully acted for the Claimant, North of England Coachworks Limited (NOECL), in resisting an appeal brought by Mr Khan against a six-month prison sentence imposed for contempt of court.

The underlying proceedings, which Sherrards have been instructed on throughout, concern a judgment debt of approximately £500,000 owed by Mr Khan to NOECL, most of which remains unpaid.

In March 2026, the High Court committed Mr Khan to prison for 6 months for his contempt of court in breaching the terms of a freezing injunction by pawning a Rolex watch which was subject to the freezing order.

Mr Khan appealed the decision to the Court of Appeal. Following a hearing yesterday (Thursday 21 May 2026), the appeal was dismissed and the original sentence upheld.

The case serves as a clear reminder that freezing injunctions are powerful enforcement tools and that the courts will impose custodial sentences where parties deliberately seek to dissipate assets or act in breach of such orders.

To find out more, contact Karen Dobson or our Dispute Resolution team.