Woodward v Grice [2017] EWHC 1292 (QB) (07 June 2017)

Woodward v Grice [2017] EWHC 1292 (QB) (07 June 2017)

The defendant published a serious libel by falsely stating the claimant was a struck off solicitor, causing injury to reputation and distress. The publication was reckless, motivated by hostility, and aggravated by the defendant's persistence in making further slurs and delaying apology. Damages of £18,000 were awarded, reflecting both compensatory and aggravated elements. Permanent injunctive relief was granted due to the risk of repetition.

Citation
[2017] EWHC 1292
Parties
Claimant: Graham Woodward; Defendant: Andrew Grice
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
07 June 2017
Procedural Posture
Libel Proceedings / Assessment of Damages and Injunctive Relief Following Summary Judgment
Outcome
Judgment for the claimant
Legal Topics
Libel, Aggravated Damages, Injunctive Relief, Assessment of Damages, Summary Judgment
Tort Defamation Libel Aggravated Damages Injunctive Relief Assessment of Damages Summary Judgment

Case Brief

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Parties

Graham Woodward

Claimant

Andrew Grice

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Proceedings / Assessment of Damages and Injunctive Relief Following Summary Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the defendant's publication constituted a serious libel
  2. 2 Assessment of damages including aggravated damages for libel
  3. 3 Appropriateness of injunctive relief

Ratio Decidendi

The defendant published a serious libel by falsely stating the claimant was a struck off solicitor, causing injury to reputation and distress. The publication was reckless, motivated by hostility, and aggravated by the defendant's persistence in making further slurs and delaying apology. Damages of £18,000 were awarded, reflecting both compensatory and aggravated elements. Permanent injunctive relief was granted due to the risk of repetition.

Court Disposition

Judgment for the claimant

Orders

  • Damages of £18,000 awarded to the claimant
  • Permanent injunctive relief granted restraining repetition of the libel