Fixed six-year limitation period upheld

Claims arising out of intentional sexual assaults were subject to a fixed six-year limitation period from the date of the assaults, or from the claimants’ majority, if later. The Human Rights Act 1998, which did not come into effect until after the events complained of, could not be used retrospectively so as to deprive the various defendants of their accrued rights to plead the fixed six-year limitation period provided for by section 2 of the Limitation Act 1980.