Sadler v Joyner & Anor [2020] EWHC 3325 (QB) (02 December 2020)

Sadler v Joyner & Anor [2020] EWHC 3325 (QB) (02 December 2020)

The Press Release bore the meanings that the Claimant knowingly induced a convicted criminal to invent false evidence, pursued a prosecution with no chance of success and wasted public money, acted vindictively and was willing to go to any length to gain a conviction, and that it is questionable whether he is suitable for his position. The first three are statements of fact, the fourth is opinion. These meanings are defamatory at common law. The basis for the opinion is indicated in the Press Release.

Citation
[2020] EWHC 3325
Parties
Claimant: Dylan Sadler; First Defendant: Antony Joyner; Second Defendant: Joyners Plants Ltd
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
02 December 2020
Procedural Posture
Libel and Harassment Claim (defamation) / Trial of Preliminary Issues (meaning, Defamatory Tendency, Fact/opinion, Basis of Opinion)
Outcome
Preliminary issues determined in favour of the Claimant.
Legal Topics
Libel, Harassment, Statements of Fact Vs Opinion, Defamatory Meaning, Threshold of Seriousness, Basis of Opinion, Environmental Prosecution, Costs
Defamation Media Law Tort Libel Harassment Statements of Fact Vs Opinion Defamatory Meaning Threshold of Seriousness +3 more

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Parties

Dylan Sadler

Claimant

Antony Joyner

First Defendant

Joyners Plants Ltd

Second Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel and Harassment Claim (defamation) / Trial of Preliminary Issues (meaning, Defamatory Tendency, Fact/opinion, Basis of Opinion)

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the natural and ordinary meaning of the statements complained of?
  2. 2 Are the statements defamatory of the Claimant at common law?
  3. 3 Are the statements statements of fact or opinion?

Ratio Decidendi

The Press Release bore the meanings that the Claimant knowingly induced a convicted criminal to invent false evidence, pursued a prosecution with no chance of success and wasted public money, acted vindictively and was willing to go to any length to gain a conviction, and that it is questionable whether he is suitable for his position. The first three are statements of fact, the fourth is opinion. These meanings are defamatory at common law. The basis for the opinion is indicated in the Press Release.

Court Disposition

Preliminary issues determined in favour of the Claimant.

Orders

  • The natural and ordinary meaning of the statements is as set out in the judgment.
  • The statements are defamatory of the Claimant at common law.