IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE IN NORTHERN IRELAND
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE IN NORTHERN IRELAND
KING’S BENCH DIVISION
Case Reference: 24/061873/01
Between:
Michael P. Lennon
Applicant
and
Belfast City Council
Respondent
APPLICATION TO REVIEW, SET ASIDE, OR OTHERWISE REOPEN ORDER
(Made pursuant to the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court and the interests of justice)
1. APPLICANT DETAILS
Name: Michael P. Lennon
Date of Birth: 27 June 1984
Address: 72 Mullaghboy Road
Bellaghy
Magherafelt
BT45 8JH
Status: Litigant in Person
2. ORDER CHALLENGED
This application concerns the Order made on 20 May 2025, whereby:
- The action was recorded as withdrawn; and
- Each party was ordered to bear its own costs.
The Applicant seeks review and reconsideration of that Order.
3. RELIEF SOUGHT
The Applicant respectfully applies for the following relief:
An Order reviewing and/or setting aside the Order of 20 May 2025.
A determination as to whether the withdrawal of proceedings occurred in circumstances affected by:
- Medical incapacity,
- Lack of legal representation,
- Denial of Legal Aid,
- Absence of reasonable adjustments,
- Procedural unfairness,
- Inequality of arms between the parties.
Directions permitting the Applicant to properly present his case with appropriate procedural safeguards.
Such further or consequential relief as the Court considers just.
4. GROUNDS OF APPLICATION
4.1 Medical Incapacity and Vulnerability
At the time the Order was made, the Applicant was experiencing a severe medical and psychiatric crisis, including hospitalisation and detention under the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.
The Applicant was not in a position to:
- Properly instruct legal representatives,
- Participate meaningfully in proceedings,
- Or understand the legal consequences of withdrawal.
4.2 Absence of Legal Representation
The Applicant was without legal representation at critical stages.
Legal Aid had been denied, and the Applicant was therefore forced into a position of procedural disadvantage against a publicly funded authority.
4.3 Lack of Reasonable Adjustments
The Applicant suffers from recognised medical conditions affecting cognitive functioning during periods of acute illness.
Reasonable adjustments were required to ensure fair participation but were not adequately implemented.
4.4 Procedural Unfairness
The Applicant asserts that the withdrawal and resulting Order occurred within circumstances where:
- The Applicant was medically incapacitated,
- Communications were impaired,
- And the Applicant’s ability to engage was materially compromised.
This created procedural inequality.
4.5 Interests of Justice
It is in the interests of justice that the Court consider whether the Order of 20 May 2025 should remain in effect, given the Applicant’s medical incapacity and lack of representation at the relevant time.
The Applicant respectfully submits that justice requires reconsideration of the matter.
5. EVIDENCE RELIED UPON
The Applicant will rely upon the following evidence:
- Medical records confirming hospitalisation and treatment,
- Psychiatric reports confirming medical vulnerability,
- Correspondence relating to Legal Aid refusal,
- Correspondence and documentation relating to the proceedings,
- The sealed Order dated 20 May 2025,
- Evidence contained within Claim Reference OCS307856F,
- Any further evidence the Court directs.
6. LEGAL BASIS
This application is made pursuant to:
- The inherent jurisdiction of the High Court,
- The Court’s duty to ensure fairness,
- Principles of natural justice,
- The Applicant’s right to a fair hearing.
7. STATEMENT OF TRUTH
I believe that the facts stated in this Application are true.
Signed:
Michael P Lennon
Date:16 February 2026
8. SERVICE DETAILS
To be served upon:
Belfast City Council
City Hall
Belfast
Northern Ireland
WHAT TO DO NEXT (PRACTICAL STEPS)
File this with:
The Royal Courts of Justice
Chichester Street
Belfast
BT1 3JF
Mindspire Experiences Project
From: Michael P Lennon <stmichaelhm84@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2026, 13:45
Subject: IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE IN NORTHERN IRELAND'.
To: <mindspireblogs@gmail.com>, Michael P Lennon (MPL) <stmichaelhm84@gmail.com>, <kbmastersoffice@courtsni.gov.
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE IN NORTHERN IRELAND
KING’S BENCH DIVISION
Case Reference: 24/061873/01
Between:
Michael P. Lennon
Applicant
-and-
Belfast City Council
Respondent
EXHIBIT INDEX AND EVIDENCE BUNDLE
Prepared by: Michael P. Lennon
Status: Applicant, Litigant in Person
Designation: 84-NC-GOV
EXHIBIT INDEX (MPL-EX-01 to MPL-EX-30)
MPL-EX-01 — Burial Incident Record (1 October 2021)
I exhibit the factual record relating to the burial incident that occurred on 1 October 2021 within Belfast City Council cemetery jurisdiction.
This exhibit establishes:
- The occurrence of a coffin collapse into an open grave;
- The operational environment under Council control;
- The absence of adequate operational safeguards.
This exhibit forms the originating event in the causation chain.
MPL-EX-02 — Cemetery Operational Responsibility Evidence
I exhibit documentation establishing that Belfast City Council retained operational control and responsibility for burial procedures and cemetery staff.
This confirms the Council’s duty of care and operational responsibility.
MPL-EX-03 — Correspondence to Belfast City Council Following Incident
I exhibit correspondence sent by me to Belfast City Council in which I sought procedural clarification, investigation, and resolution.
This demonstrates my good faith effort to resolve the matter professionally.
MPL-EX-04 — Evidence of Failure to Provide Investigation Report
I exhibit records demonstrating that I was named within a Council investigative process but was not provided access to the report or findings.
This establishes lack of procedural transparency.
MPL-EX-05 — Evidence of Verbal Abuse and Removal from Cemetery
I exhibit my recorded account and supporting evidence relating to verbal abuse and my removal from a Belfast City Council cemetery environment while acting in a professional capacity.
This establishes improper treatment.
MPL-EX-06 — Evidence of Professional Standing
I exhibit records confirming my identity and professional status as a Funeral Director.
This establishes my lawful professional standing.
MPL-EX-07 — Police Stop and Search Records
I exhibit records documenting police stop and search procedures conducted against me.
This establishes subsequent institutional interaction following the originating incident.
MPL-EX-08 — Medical Admission and Treatment Records
I exhibit medical records confirming psychiatric hospitalisation and treatment under statutory mental health legislation.
This establishes medical incapacity.
Supporting documentation confirms my mental health crisis and treatment environment.
MPL-EX-09 — Medical Evidence of Functional Impairment
I exhibit ESA50 forms, supporting letters, and medical submissions documenting functional impairment.
This establishes medical incapacity during relevant legal proceedings.
MPL-EX-10 — Universal Credit Administrative Records
I exhibit Universal Credit administrative documentation confirming statutory engagement and administrative status.
This establishes administrative impact and financial disruption.
MPL-EX-11 — ESA Administrative Correspondence
I exhibit ESA administrative correspondence demonstrating statutory engagement and medical documentation submission.
This confirms medical incapacity during administrative proceedings.
MPL-EX-12 — Insurance Claim Evidence Archive (OCS307856F)
I exhibit the consolidated evidential archive containing insurance, administrative, and financial documentation.
This establishes preservation of evidence and continuity of record.
MPL-EX-13 — Creditor Correspondence and Conduct Records
I exhibit correspondence between myself and creditors documenting enforcement actions and administrative conduct.
This establishes financial consequences arising during the causation period.
MPL-EX-14 — Credit Report Evidence
I exhibit my Experian credit report confirming financial disruption during the relevant period and the absence of bankruptcy or court judgment.
This establishes financial impact and confirms no insolvency proceedings occurred.
MPL-EX-15 — Identity and Electoral Roll Confirmation
I exhibit electoral roll documentation confirming my continuous lawful residence and identity stability.
This establishes continuity of lawful identity.
MPL-EX-16 — Photographic Evidence
I exhibit photographic evidence supporting my identity and professional standing.
MPL-EX-17 — Correspondence with Administrative Authorities
I exhibit correspondence with statutory administrative authorities confirming procedural engagement.
MPL-EX-18 — Correspondence with Legal Representatives
I exhibit correspondence relating to legal representation and procedural engagement.
MPL-EX-19 — Evidence of Legal Aid Denial
I exhibit documentation confirming denial of Legal Aid.
This establishes procedural disadvantage.
MPL-EX-20 — Court Correspondence Records
I exhibit correspondence with court administrative offices.
This establishes procedural engagement.
MPL-EX-21 — Magistrates’ Court Record Evidence
I exhibit records relating to Magistrates’ Court proceedings.
MPL-EX-22 — Crown Court Record Evidence
I exhibit records relating to Crown Court proceedings.
MPL-EX-23 — High Court Correspondence Records
I exhibit correspondence with the High Court (King’s Bench Division).
This establishes procedural continuity.
MPL-EX-24 — High Court Application Documentation
I exhibit my formal application documentation relating to Case Reference 24/061873/01.
MPL-EX-25 — Sealed Order dated 20 May 2025
I exhibit the sealed Order made on 20 May 2025.
This forms the subject of the present application.
MPL-EX-26 — Evidence of Medical Incapacity at Time of Order
I exhibit medical records demonstrating medical incapacity at the time of the Order.
This establishes inability to properly participate in proceedings.
MPL-EX-27 — Structured Chronology Record
I exhibit the structured chronology of events prepared by me.
This establishes continuity and causation.
MPL-EX-28 — Mindspire Governance and Evidence Framework Documentation
I exhibit governance documentation establishing evidential preservation and structured documentation.
MPL-EX-29 — Statement of Evidence and Maladministration
I exhibit my formal Statement of Evidence and Maladministration.
MPL-EX-30 — Present Application to Set Aside Order
I exhibit this Application to Review and Set Aside the Order dated 20 May 2025 in Case Reference 24/061873/01.
This exhibit forms the basis of my application.
STATEMENT OF TRUTH
I confirm that this Exhibit Index and Evidence Bundle is true and accurately reflects the evidence preserved and presented by me.
Signed:
Michael P. Lennon
Applicant
Litigant in Person
Date: 16 February 2026
Designation: 84-NC-GOV