Civil Procedure
'Lotto Rapist' Win Creates Limitations Issue
A convicted sex criminal who won 7 million pounds in the lottery as he was about to be released from prison in the U.K. after 15 years has created a quandary for the country’s legal system.
His victim didn’t sue the so-called “Lotto rapist” for civil damages after the 1988 attempted rape because he had no assets at the time. Now that he does and she wants to sue, the six-year statute of limitations for bringing suit has expired, reports Reuters.
Although lower courts have said they have no choice but to enforce the deadline, it is possible that the House of Lords in Parliament will overturn their decisions on equitable grounds. A ruling from the Law Lords is expected soon.
