Hewson v Times Newspapers Ltd & Anor [2019] EWHC 1000 (QB) (08 March 2019)

Hewson v Times Newspapers Ltd & Anor [2019] EWHC 1000 (QB) (08 March 2019)

Permission to amend the Particulars of Claim is granted because the amendment has a real prospect of success, causes limited prejudice to Defendants, and enables the real dispute to be adjudicated. The lateness of the amendment does not justify refusal given the stage of proceedings and limited disruption.

Citation
[2019] EWHC 1000
Parties
Claimant: Barbara Hewson; First Defendant: Times Newspapers Limited; Second Defendant: Associated Newspapers Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
08 March 2019
Procedural Posture
Libel Proceedings / Application for Permission to Amend Particulars of Claim Prior to Determination of Preliminary Issue on Meaning
Outcome
Permission to amend Particulars of Claim granted.
Legal Topics
Libel, Meaning Determination, Amendment of Pleadings, Chase Levels, Repetition Rule
Defamation Media Law Libel Meaning Determination Amendment of Pleadings Chase Levels Repetition Rule

Case Brief

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Parties

Barbara Hewson

Claimant

Times Newspapers Limited

First Defendant

Associated Newspapers Limited

Second Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Proceedings / Application for Permission to Amend Particulars of Claim Prior to Determination of Preliminary Issue on Meaning

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Claimant should be permitted to amend her pleaded meaning to allege a higher Chase Level 1 meaning
  2. 2 Whether the amendment is prejudicial to the Defendants
  3. 3 Whether the amendment has a real prospect of success

Ratio Decidendi

Permission to amend the Particulars of Claim is granted because the amendment has a real prospect of success, causes limited prejudice to Defendants, and enables the real dispute to be adjudicated. The lateness of the amendment does not justify refusal given the stage of proceedings and limited disruption.

Court Disposition

Permission to amend Particulars of Claim granted.

Orders

  • Claimant allowed to amend Particulars of Claim to plead Chase Level 1 meaning.