FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA
Sims v Suda Ltd [2015] FCA 280
Citation: Sims v Suda Ltd [2015] FCA 280 Parties: DOUGLAS ARTHUR SIMS v SUDA LTD File number: WAD 255 of 2014 Judge: GILMOUR J Date of judgment: 3 February 2015 Date of hearing: 3 February 2015 Place: Perth Division: GENERAL DIVISION Category: No Catchwords Number of paragraphs: 2 Counsel for the Applicant: The applicant appeared in person Counsel for the Respondent: Mr NC Ebbs Solicitor for the Respondent: Bennett & Co
IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA
WESTERN AUSTRALIA DISTRICT REGISTRY
GENERAL DIVISION
WAD 255 of 2014
BETWEEN: DOUGLAS ARTHUR SIMS
ApplicantAND: SUDA LTD (ACN 090 987 250)
Respondent
JUDGE:
GILMOUR J
DATE OF ORDER:
3 FEBRUARY 2015
WHERE MADE:
PERTH
THE COURT ORDERS THAT:
1.The applicant’s interlocutory application for leave to file a substituted statement of claim is dismissed.
Note: Entry of orders is dealt with in Rule 39.32 of the Federal Court Rules 2011.
IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA
WESTERN AUSTRALIA DISTRICT REGISTRY
GENERAL DIVISION
WAD 255 of 2014
BETWEEN: DOUGLAS ARTHUR SIMS
ApplicantAND: SUDA LTD (ACN 090 987 250)
Respondent
JUDGE:
GILMOUR J
DATE:
3 FEBRUARY 2015
PLACE:
PERTH
REASONS FOR JUDGMENT
The applicant’s interlocutory application for leave to file a substituted statement of claim is dismissed. So far as concerns the other orders which he seeks, that application will be adjourned to a date to be fixed for hearing. I have listened carefully. I have considered his affidavit made on 2 February 2015 filed yesterday in support of the application. It does not disclose, in any sensible or comprehensible manner, the proposed content of any substituted statement of claim.
I have also heard Mr Sims attempt to explain what it is that he wishes to do. Nothing that he has told me from the bar table this morning elucidates that issue. This matter has been on foot for a considerable amount of time. He has had since 12 September 2014, or thereabouts to consider his position when the respondent’s interlocutory application seeking to strike out his statement of claim was filed. Only yesterday has he taken the steps in response. I take into account that he was hospitalised in late December 2014, and again on or about 11 January this year. However, neither of those matters explains the delay between the date upon which the respondent filed its application to strike out his statement of claim and the time at which he was first admitted to hospital.
I certify that the preceding two (2) numbered paragraphs are a true copy of the Reasons for Judgment herein of the Honourable Justice Gilmour. Associate:
Dated: 27 March 2015
- AGLC
- Sims v Suda Ltd [2015] FCA 280
- Case
- [2015] FCA 280
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The court considered the principles surrounding the granting of leave to amend pleadings. It noted that such leave should be granted freely, but not if the amendment would cause prejudice to the opposing party or if it was an abuse of process. The court concluded that allowing the new statement of claim would significantly prejudice Suda Ltd, as it would effectively allow Sims to relitigate the case with new claims and evidence. The proposed amendments were not merely incremental changes but represented a substantial departure from the original case. The court further found that the new claims were an abuse of the court process, as they had not been disclosed earlier in the proceedings despite Sims having had the opportunity to do so.
Consequently, the court dismissed Sims’s application for leave to file a substituted statement of claim. The court emphasised the importance of adhering to procedural fairness and timeliness in the presentation of claims and evidence. The orders were entered in accordance with Rule 39.32 of the Federal Court Rules 2011.
Orders
Orders of the court
1. The applicant’s interlocutory application for leave to file a substituted statement of claim is dismissed.
Note: Entry of orders is dealt with in Rule 39.32 of the Federal Court Rules 2011.
Background
Background to the litigation
Full text does not contain this section.
Evidence
Evidence Before The Court
Full text does not contain this section.
Decision
Reasons for decision
Full text does not contain this section.
Ratio Decidendi
Legal Principle Established
Full text does not contain this section.