Marina Developments Ltd v Owner(s) of M/Y “Durando” [2026] EWHC 625

The Court held that the unauthorised removal from a marina of an arrested vessel constituted a clear and serious contempt of court, emphasising the importance of arrest orders. The Court proceeded in the defendant’s absence and found the contempt proved. While no sentence was imposed at that stage, the Court indicated that a custodial sentence would be a realistic outcome, subject to any mitigation or steps taken (namely return of the vessel) to purge the contempt.