The Court of Appeal held that the phrase 'pending the hearing of this matter' in a consent interlocutory restraining order, properly construed in light of the text, context, purpose, and surrounding correspondence between the parties' solicitors, referred to the duration of the physical hearing (specifically, until the close of the evidentiary cases) and did not extend to the delivery of judgment. The correspondence preceding the consent order revealed that its purpose was to prevent interference with witnesses, a purpose fulfilled once evidence was closed. Alternatively, even if that were not the correct construction, the order was ambiguous in the relevant respect, and a person bound by it could be in real doubt as to its meaning, precluding a finding of contempt. The contempt convictions and fine were set aside.
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