In the decision below, the Court of Appeals concluded that the trial court did not err in allowing plaintiff's motion to amend her pleadings to conform to the evidence because there was no showing that the amendment in some way prejudiced defendant in maintaining his defense. Since we conclude that the evidence in this case does not support a claim for punitive damages and that such claim is improper in a breach of contract action, we reverse the decision of the Court of Appeals. Plaintiff made the following basic allegations in the complaint filed in this action. In June 1991, plaintiff and her husband were arrested on North Carolina warrants while they were on vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Plaintiff and her husband waived extradition and were transported to North Carolina, and plaintiff was ultimately transported to the Watauga County jail.
Defendant is a professional bail bondsman.
On 25 June 1991, plaintiff paid the initial, agreed-upon portion of the fee and was thereafter released from jail. Plaintiff then tendered the rest of her outstanding balance to defendant on 29 June 1991. That same day, plaintiff and defendant discussed and negotiated an agreement to procure the release of plaintiff's husband from jail by having him bonded on credit. On 12 August 1991, plaintiff and her husband traveled to the Alleghany courthouse for a scheduled bond hearing. When they arrived at the courthouse, defendant arrested and surrendered both plaintiff and her husband into custody.