Darragh Mackin

The Belfast lawyer has been instructed by St Helena’s Equality and Human Rights Commission, which is intervening in the case, Peters v Attorney General of St Helena & Another.

Around 4,000 people live on St Helena, an island in the south Atlantic — famously known as the location of Napoleon’s exile after his final defeat.

The court case concerns an issue arising from medical negligence claims initiated on the island relating to the ability of a citizen to recover their costs when they instruct legal teams from outside the island.

The St Helenas Equality and Human Rights Commission applied to intervene in the instant proceedings to make submissions on the wider ramifications and the importance of the principle of access to justice for islanders.

Phoenix Law said: “The outcome of Peters v Attorney General of St Helena & Another is anticipated with great interest, not only by the residents of St Helena but also by the international human rights community.

“A ruling in favour of enhancing access to justice could set an important precedent for other jurisdictions with similar challenges.”

Mr Mackin was instructed by Catherine Turner of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Phoenix Law appeared with international expert counsel team Hugh Mercer KC and Naomi Hart, both of Essex Court Chambers in London.