Easeman v Ford [2016] EWHC 1576 (QB) (29 June 2016)

Easeman v Ford [2016] EWHC 1576 (QB) (29 June 2016)

The defendant published false and defamatory statements about the claimant in a sustained online campaign, causing serious reputational and financial harm. The claimant is entitled to summary relief under section 9 of the Defamation Act 1996, including a declaration of falsity, maximum damages of £10,000, and an injunction restraining further publication. The claimant's costs as a litigant in person are summarily assessed and recoverable.

Citation
[2016] EWHC 1576 (QB)
Parties
Claimant: Laurence Easeman; Defendant: Adam Ford
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
29 June 2016
Procedural Posture
Libel Action (defamation) / Assessment of Damages Following Default Judgment
Outcome
Claim allowed. Summary relief granted under section 9 of the Defamation Act 1996.
Legal Topics
Libel, Summary Relief, Damages, Injunctions, Default Judgment
Defamation Tort Libel Summary Relief Damages Injunctions Default Judgment

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 6 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Laurence Easeman

Claimant

Adam Ford

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Action (defamation) / Assessment of Damages Following Default Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the statements published by the defendant were false and defamatory of the claimant
  2. 2 Whether the claimant is entitled to summary relief under section 9 of the Defamation Act 1996
  3. 3 Assessment of damages for libel, including general, aggravated, and special damages

Ratio Decidendi

The defendant published false and defamatory statements about the claimant in a sustained online campaign, causing serious reputational and financial harm. The claimant is entitled to summary relief under section 9 of the Defamation Act 1996, including a declaration of falsity, maximum damages of £10,000, and an injunction restraining further publication. The claimant's costs as a litigant in person are summarily assessed and recoverable.

Court Disposition

Claim allowed. Summary relief granted under section 9 of the Defamation Act 1996.

Orders

  • Declaration that the statements were false and defamatory of the claimant
  • Award of general and aggravated damages in the sum of £10,000