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 against the claimant, including dishonesty in making a false police complaint, breach of contract, mistreatment of employees, gross mismanagement, and breach of the Betting Code by betting on a player's performance. These are factual allegations, not comment, and are defamatory. The true innuendo meaning regarding the Betting Code is upheld as pleaded by the claimant.

Citation
[2014] EWHC 874 (QB)
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 Complained of
Outcome
Preliminary issue determined; defamatory meanings found as set out in judgment.
Legal Topics
Libel, Meaning of Defamatory Words, Innuendo, Defamation Act 2013, Betting Code Violations
Defamation Media Law Libel Meaning of Defamatory Words Innuendo Defamation Act 2013 Betting Code Violations

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 4 Authorities cited 15 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 6
Sign in to unlock

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 Complained of

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the natural and ordinary meaning of the words complained of?
  2. 2 Are the meanings defamatory?
  3. 3 Are the meanings fact or comment?

Ratio Decidendi

The words complained of in both articles bear defamatory meanings against the claimant, including dishonesty in making a false police complaint, breach of contract, mistreatment of employees, gross mismanagement, and breach of the Betting Code by betting on a player's performance. These are factual allegations, not comment, and are defamatory. The true innuendo meaning regarding the Betting Code is upheld as pleaded by the claimant.

Court Disposition

Preliminary issue determined; defamatory meanings found as set out in judgment.

Orders

  • The meanings of the words complained of are as determined in this judgment.
  • The true innuendo meaning regarding the Betting Code is upheld.