Former Soldier and Para Athlete Faces Prison Over MoD Compensation Claim
A former soldier who became a gold medal-winning para athlete could be sent to jail after being found "fundamentally dishonest" about her disability in a £1.74 million damages claim against the Ministry of Defence. Debbie O'Connell, who served in the Royal Horse Artillery's ceremonial King's Troop, fell from her mount in 2015, breaking her collarbone in four places.
From Military Service to Para Athletics Success
Ms O'Connell claimed the fall left her left arm almost useless, leading to her discharge from the army in 2017. She subsequently embarked on a successful para athletics career, winning gold medals for cycling at the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney and competing as a sprinter in world-level competitions. In September 2018, she launched a compensation claim against the MoD initially valued at £2.4 million, later reduced to £1.74 million.
High Court Finds "Fundamental Dishonesty"
Despite a judge accepting she had been injured, her case was thrown out last year due to "fundamental dishonesty." Judge Christopher Kennedy KC ruled that Ms O'Connell's evidence about ongoing pain "must be dishonest" after viewing video footage showing her performing various activities with her left arm, including leading a horse and chopping vegetables. The judge noted her "attempts to conceal the truth" had been "sophisticated."
She was ordered to pay the MoD's legal costs exceeding £200,000. The Ministry has now launched an application to have Ms O'Connell committed to prison for contempt of court, accusing her of telling "lies" about her disability's extent and "maligning the reputation of veterans."
Contempt Proceedings Given Green Light
At a High Court hearing on Friday, Mr Justice Coppel granted permission for the contempt case to proceed, stating it was in the "public interest" when claims are "prosecuted on a false basis." He authorized a five-day contempt hearing, noting "strong findings of fundamental dishonesty" against Ms O'Connell.
Her barrister, Ian Denham, argued the contempt bid should be blocked, claiming she had "suffered enough" after losing her case, facing massive costs, and public judgment. He maintained further proceedings were "not in the public interest."
Disputed Claims and Para Athletics Classification
In her original claim, Ms O'Connell alleged her fall resulted from riding boots two sizes too large and a horse prone to bucking. The MoD disputed this, accusing her of exaggerating her injuries while "dishonestly" pursuing a para athletics career in the T46 category, designed for athletes with limb impairments comparable to an above-elbow amputation.
MoD barrister Niazi Fetto KC presented covertly recorded video evidence showing her using her injured arm for tasks like leading horses and chopping vegetables. He noted she had "not apologised or shown remorse" and intended to exercise her right to silence during contempt proceedings.
Athlete's Defence and Ongoing Legal Battle
Ms O'Connell, from Lincoln, denied dishonesty, insisting her claim was genuine and allegations of "cheating" were "not credible" as she fit the T46 classification. She testified she had simply "described my condition" when classified and, as a soldier taught to "push through pain," was making the most of her life despite injury.
Judge Kennedy highlighted the "stark" difference between her reported symptoms—needing assistance with cutting food, bathing, and dressing—and her near-normal function shown in 2022 surveillance footage. He concluded: "This is a claim which I have found to be fundamentally dishonest. The claimant has persisted with her dishonesty over a long period."
A hearing to determine if Ms O'Connell is in contempt of court and should be jailed will occur at a later date. The maximum sentence for contempt is two years imprisonment.
