Hewson v Times Newspapers Ltd & Anor [2019] EWHC 650 (QB) (22 March 2019)

Hewson v Times Newspapers Ltd & Anor [2019] EWHC 650 (QB) (22 March 2019)

Both articles bear the meaning that the Claimant was guilty of repeated acts of harassment and online bullying, including making death threats to Mehul Desai, sending distressing pictures, and directing abusive language at Sarah Phillimore; the repetition rule applies and context does not mitigate the meaning; the articles convey a general sting.

Citation
[2019] EWHC 650
Parties
Claimant: Barbara Hewson; First Defendant: Times Newspapers Limited; Second Defendant: Associated Newspapers Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
22 March 2019
Procedural Posture
Libel Proceedings / Preliminary Issue on Meaning Determined Without Hearing
Outcome
Meaning determined as preliminary issue; both articles found to bear defamatory meaning of guilt for repeated harassment and online bullying.
Legal Topics
Libel, Repetition Rule, Meaning Determination, Harassment, Online Bullying
Defamation Media Law Libel Repetition Rule Meaning Determination Harassment Online Bullying

Case Brief

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Parties

Barbara Hewson

Claimant

Times Newspapers Limited

First Defendant

Associated Newspapers Limited

Second Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Proceedings / Preliminary Issue on Meaning Determined Without Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the natural and ordinary meaning of the articles published by the Defendants about the Claimant?
  2. 2 Does the repetition rule elevate the meaning to an allegation of guilt?
  3. 3 Is the meaning distinct or general (common sting)?

Ratio Decidendi

Both articles bear the meaning that the Claimant was guilty of repeated acts of harassment and online bullying, including making death threats to Mehul Desai, sending distressing pictures, and directing abusive language at Sarah Phillimore; the repetition rule applies and context does not mitigate the meaning; the articles convey a general sting.

Court Disposition

Meaning determined as preliminary issue; both articles found to bear defamatory meaning of guilt for repeated harassment and online bullying.

Orders

  • Draft judgment to be circulated to parties.
  • Case to be listed in open court for judgment to be handed down.