THE CURRENT IMPORTANCE OF PLEADINGS 19: AN UNKIND OR CYNICAL READER OF THE DEFENCE “MIGHT BE TEMPTED TO CONCLUDE THAT THEIR VERY COMPLEXITY AND LENGTH WERE INTENDED TO CONCEAL THE LACK OF ESSENTIAL SUBSTANCE AT THEIR VERY HEART”

We are looking at a case where - in no short measure - the judge was highly critical of the defendant's pleadings.  They were described as "the very antithesis" of the paradigm urged upon pleaders by the guidance given in the authorities. The defendant was given an opportunity to amend, with strict ...