12 False Citations/AI hallucinations Incidents in UK Courts: The Complete Legal Timeline Before and After Ayinde and How Pervasive is the Problem?

Since starting this project, I’ve enjoyed speaking at events, but what I’ve valued most are the quieter conversations sparked by the blog. Hearing how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already shaping, or is expected to shape, people’s practice has been fascinating.

The discussions have ranged from the simple “What exactly is a prompt?” to the daunting “Will we all be out of a job by the end of the year?” There’s clearly a lot to explore.

This particular piece is one I’ve been meaning to write for some time. It’s aimed at those preparing to speak or write on the issue of False Citations/AI hallucinations in the UK context. Much of my earlier work has focused on the international picture, but here I want to narrow in on what’s happening closer to home and within the jurisdiction I practice in.

So, how pervasive is the problem? Is it growing, or are we counting loudly reported outliers?

Also, does the UK have the first, or at least one of the earliest, reported incidents?

In the article I look at each year and focus on the position before Ayinde v London Borough of Haringey and Al-Haroun v Qatar National Bank [2025] EWHC 1383 (Admin) ("Ayinde") and what has happened since.

Colleagues practising within the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) may also be interested in two recent cases from there addressing these issues.

The full article can be read here.