MacDougal v Mitchell [2015] NSWCA 389

Court of Appeal Supreme Court New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: MacDougal v Mitchell [2015] NSWCA 389 Hearing dates: 24 November 2015 Decision date: 09 December 2015 Before: Meagher JA at [1] Bergin CJ in Eq at [2] Tobias AJA at [3] Decision: 1 Grant leave to appeal. 2 Appeal allowed in part. 3 Set aside Order 1 made by Judge R A Sorby on 27 February 2015 and in lieu thereof enter judgment for the applicant against both respondents in the sum of $110,500. 4 The respondents to pay the applicant's costs of the summons for leave to appeal and the appeal but to have, if qualified, a certificate under the Suitors' Fund Act 1951 (NSW). Catchwords: TORTS – assault – damages – whether award of aggravated and/or exemplary damages justified – whether a 'cushion' for future economic loss should be awarded - applicable principles – quantum of aggravated and exemplary damages Legislation Cited: Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW), s 3B Suitors' Fund Act 1951 (NSW) Cases Cited: Carson v John Fairfax & Sons Ltd (1993) 178 CLR 44 Cassell & Co Ltd v Broome [1972] AC 1027 Gacic v John Fairfax Publications Pty Ltd [2015] NSWCA 99 Gray v Motor Accident Commission [1998] HCA 70; (1998) 196 CLR 1 Lamb v Cotogno [1987] HCA 47; (1987) 164 CLR 1 Rogers v Nationwide News Pty Ltd [2003] HCA 52; 216 CLR 327 State of NSW v Riley [2003] NSWCA 208; (2003) 57 NSWLR 496 State of NSW v Zreika [2012] NSWCA 37 Uren v John Fairfax & Sons Pty Ltd [1966] HCA 40; (1966) 117 CLR 118 Vignoli v Sydney Harbour Casino [1999] NSWSC 1113; [2000] Aust Torts Reports 81-541 Texts Cited: McGregor on Damages (18th ed 2009, Sweet & Maxwell Ltd) Category: Principal judgment Parties: Leon Peter MacDougal (Applicant) Dale Ian Mitchell (First Respondent) Jacob Terrence Osland (Second Respondent) Representation: Counsel: D P O'Dowd (Applicant) No Appearance (First Respondent) In person (Second Respondent)