Johnston v League Publications Ltd & Ors [2014] EWHC 874 (QB) (26 March 2014)

Johnston v League Publications Ltd & Ors [2014] EWHC 874 (QB) (26 March 2014)

The words complained of in both articles bear defamatory meanings as pleaded by the claimant, including that the claimant knowingly made false allegations to the police, breached employment obligations, mismanaged the club, and engaged in improper conduct. The meanings are factual, not comment. The pleaded innuendo meaning regarding breach of the Rugby Football League Betting Code is sustainable for a substantial proportion of readers.

Citation
[2014] EWHC 874
Parties
Claimant: Desmond Johnston; First Defendant: League Publications Limited; Second Defendant: Richard De La Riviere; Third Defendant: Nedzad Catic
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
26 March 2014
Procedural Posture
Libel Action / Preliminary Issue on Meaning of Words
Outcome
Preliminary issue determined in favour of the claimant on meaning and innuendo.
Legal Topics
Libel, Meaning of Defamatory Words, Innuendo, Employer Employee Relations, Sports Law
Defamation Media Law Libel Meaning of Defamatory Words Innuendo Employer Employee Relations Sports Law

Case Brief

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Parties

Desmond Johnston

Claimant

League Publications Limited

First Defendant

Richard De La Riviere

Second Defendant

Nedzad Catic

Third Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Action / Preliminary Issue on Meaning of Words

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the natural and ordinary meaning of the words complained of?
  2. 2 Are the meanings pleaded by the claimant supported?
  3. 3 Are the meanings defamatory?

Ratio Decidendi

The words complained of in both articles bear defamatory meanings as pleaded by the claimant, including that the claimant knowingly made false allegations to the police, breached employment obligations, mismanaged the club, and engaged in improper conduct. The meanings are factual, not comment. The pleaded innuendo meaning regarding breach of the Rugby Football League Betting Code is sustainable for a substantial proportion of readers.

Court Disposition

Preliminary issue determined in favour of the claimant on meaning and innuendo.

Orders

  • The defamatory meanings pleaded by the claimant are upheld, subject to minor qualifications.
  • The innuendo meaning regarding breach of the Betting Code is sustainable.