Sadler v Joyner & Anor

Sadler v Joyner & Anor

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 wasting public money, acted vindictively and was willing to go to any length to gain a conviction, and that his suitability for his position was questionable. The first three meanings are statements of fact, the fourth is opinion. These meanings are defamatory at common law, and the basis for the opinion is indicated in the Press Release.

Parties
Claimant: Dylan Sadler; First Defendant: Antony Joyner; Second Defendant: Joyners Plants Ltd
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
02 December 2020
Procedural Posture
Civil Defamation and Harassment / Trial of Preliminary Issues (meaning, Defamatory Tendency, Fact/opinion, Basis of Opinion)
Outcome
Preliminary issues determined in favour of the Claimant; costs awarded to Claimant, to be assessed with interim payment ordered.
Legal Topics
Libel, Harassment, Meaning of Defamatory Statements, Fact Vs Opinion, Defamatory Tendency, Basis of Opinion
Defamation Tort Law Libel Harassment Meaning of Defamatory Statements Fact Vs Opinion Defamatory Tendency Basis of Opinion

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Dylan Sadler

Claimant

Antony Joyner

First Defendant

Joyners Plants Ltd

Second Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Defamation and Harassment / 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 wasting public money, acted vindictively and was willing to go to any length to gain a conviction, and that his suitability for his position was questionable. The first three meanings are statements of fact, the fourth is opinion. These meanings are defamatory at common law, and the basis for the opinion is indicated in the Press Release.

Court Disposition

Preliminary issues determined in favour of the Claimant; costs awarded to Claimant, to be assessed with interim payment ordered.

Orders

  • The natural and ordinary meaning of the statements complained of is as set out in paragraph 27 of the judgment.
  • In those meanings, the statements complained of are defamatory of the Claimant at common law.