News

Duncan Lewis Solicitors has successfully secured summary judgment and damages for a Sudanese client unlawfully detained as an adult, despite being a minor. The case highlights serious failings by the Home Office in handling vulnerable individuals seeking protection in the UK.

Our client, A, endured severe trauma in Sudan before being trafficked to Libya, where he suffered further abuse. Upon reaching the UK, instead of finding safety, he was wrongly placed in Brook House detention centre with adults after authorities disputed his age. His time in detention—at a facility already under scrutiny for its treatment of detainees—caused him further distress and trauma.

Following his release, social services conducted an age assessment, confirming that A was under 18. The Home Office accepted this finding and amended his records accordingly. He was later granted asylum and formally recognised as a victim of trafficking.

Determined to seek justice for the unlawful detention he suffered, Duncan Lewis initiated a civil claim for damages. A key medical report detailed the psychological toll of his experience, strengthening our case. However, the Home Office refused to acknowledge the clear evidence of his age, prolonged the litigation unnecessarily, and failed to engage meaningfully in settlement discussions.

With little progress being made, we filed for summary judgment. Although the Home Office aggressively resisted the application, they ultimately conceded just before the hearing. This led to a swift settlement, finally allowing A to begin rebuilding his life after years of hardship.

This case underscores the importance of holding the Home Office accountable for its treatment of vulnerable individuals. We are proud to have secured justice for A and remain committed to advocating for those whose rights have been violated.

A was represented by Haroon Karimdad, with Nick Armstrong KC of Matrix Chambers instructed as counsel.

Haroon Kamidad is a Solicitor within the Public Law and Immigration department. He has significant experience in dealing with vulnerable clients including those in detention, those suffering from complex psychological issues, and victims of torture and trafficking.

For advice in any public law or immigration matter, contact him by telephone on 02070147387

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is an award-winning Times Top 250 law firm, which is ranked as Top Tier by both the Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 directories. The company represents clients in more than 25 practice areas across 13 key offices nationwide. This year the company was crowned Law Firm of the Year at the Lexis Nexis awards 2024 and has been noted for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.