Seven Network (Operations) Ltd v Dowling (No 3) [2021] NSWSC 1371

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Seven Network (Operations) Ltd v Dowling (No 3) [2021] NSWSC 1371 Hearing dates: On the papers, last submissions 8 October 2021 Date of orders: 27 October 2021 Decision date: 27 October 2021 Jurisdiction: Equity Before: Rees J Decision: Specified gross sum costs order made. Catchwords: COSTS – contempt motion – contemnor ordered to pay indemnity costs – plaintiffs seek specified gross sum – principles at [4]-[7], [12]-[16] – defendant likely unwilling or unable to pay costs – defendant contributed to costs incurred by his conduct – appropriate to make order in sum sought. Legislation Cited: Civil Procedure Act 2005 (NSW), s 98 Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW), r 42.5 Cases Cited: Baychek v Baychek [2010] NSWSC 987 Bitek Pty Ltd v iConnect Pty Ltd [2012] FCA 506; (2012) 290 ALR 288 Bouras v Grandelis (2005) 65 NSWLR 214; [2005] NSWCA 463 Dunstan v Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (No 3) [2006] FCA 916 eInduct Systems Pty Ltd v 3D Safety Services Pty Ltd (No 2) [2015] NSWCA 422 Hadid v Lenfest Communications Inc [2000] FCA 628 Hamod v State of New South Wales [2011] NSWCA 375 Harrison v Schipp (2002) 54 NSWLR 738; [2002] NSWCA 213 Idoport Pty Ltd v National Australia Bank Ltd [2007] NSWSC 23 Kostov v Zhang (No 2) [2016] NSWCA 279 Seven Network (Operations) Ltd v Dowling [2018] NSWSC 1890 Seven Network (Operations) Ltd v Dowling [2021] NSWSC 726 Seven Network (Operations) Ltd v Dowling (No 2) [2021] NSWSC 1106 Sony Entertainment (Australia) Ltd v Smith [2005] FCA 228; (2005) 215 ALR 788 Sparnon v Apand Pty Ltd [1998] FCA 164 Category: Costs Parties: Seven Network (Operations) Ltd (First Plaintiff) Seven West Media Ltd (Second Plaintiff) Shane Dowling (Defendant) Representation: Counsel: Mr K Smark SC (Plaintiffs) Self-represented (Defendant)