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 the context does not mitigate the effect of the allegations.

Citation
[2019] EWHC 650 (QB)
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
Outcome
Court determined the natural and ordinary meaning of the articles as a preliminary issue.
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

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the natural and ordinary meaning of the articles complained of?
  2. 2 Does the repetition rule elevate the meaning to guilt?
  3. 3 Is the meaning general or distinct?

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 the context does not mitigate the effect of the allegations.

Court Disposition

Court determined the natural and ordinary meaning of the articles as a preliminary issue.

Orders

  • The Times article found to mean the Claimant was guilty of repeated acts of harassment and online bullying, including death threats, distressing pictures, and abusive language.
  • MailOnline article found to mean the Claimant was guilty of repeated acts of harassment and online bullying, including death threats, distressing pictures, and abusive language via Twitter.