1.6 Focus engine major oil leak

[K800 RUM]

My sisters 1.6 litre 2007 petrol engine in her focus (sigma engine) has cracked two oil filter housings in the space of three days! Our mechanic has never seen one do it before let alone two. Possibly a manufacturing defect?? We are hoping the engine has survived without bearing damage.
Anybody else had this happen to them?

The same engine is used in my 2007 caterham 7 & it has now got me wondering is this part common?
On the caterham the oil filter sticks out at 90deg to the block. How is it configured in the focus?

Thanks......Martin.