Hewson v Times Newspapers Ltd & Anor

Hewson v Times Newspapers Ltd & Anor

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 images, and directing abusive language at Sarah Phillimore. The repetition rule applies, and the articles adopt the allegations as their own. The meaning is general, not limited to distinct incidents.

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 a Hearing
Outcome
Preliminary issue on meaning determined; articles found to bear the pleaded defamatory meanings against the Claimant.
Legal Topics
Libel, Meaning of Defamatory Statements, Repetition Rule, Single Meaning Rule, Preliminary Issues, Open Justice
Defamation Media Law Libel Meaning of Defamatory Statements Repetition Rule Single Meaning Rule Preliminary Issues Open Justice

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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 a 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 apply to the reporting of allegations by others in the context of these articles?
  3. 3 Do the articles convey a general or distinct defamatory sting against the Claimant?

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 images, and directing abusive language at Sarah Phillimore. The repetition rule applies, and the articles adopt the allegations as their own. The meaning is general, not limited to distinct incidents.

Court Disposition

Preliminary issue on meaning determined; articles found to bear the pleaded defamatory meanings against the Claimant.

Orders

  • The meaning of The Times article is: the Claimant was guilty of repeated acts of harassment and online bullying, including (1) making death threats to Mehul Desai and subjecting him to online abuse and persistent nuisance phone calls that caused him to be frightened, alarmed, distressed and anxious; (2) sending Mr...
  • The meaning of the MailOnline article is: the Claimant was guilty of repeated acts of harassment and online bullying, including (1) making death threats to Mehul Desai and subjecting him to online abuse and persistent nuisance phone calls that caused him to be frightened, alarmed, distressed and anxious; (2) sending...