Woodward v Grice

Woodward v Grice

The Defendant published false and defamatory statements alleging the Claimant was a struck off solicitor, causing serious harm to reputation and feelings. The Defendant acted recklessly, motivated by hostile animus, persisted in the libel, and pursued damaging slurs in proceedings. Damages are assessed at £18,000, reflecting aggravation, and permanent injunctive relief is granted to prevent repetition.

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

Case Brief

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Parties

Graham Woodward

Claimant

Andrew Grice

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel / Assessment of Damages and Injunctive Relief Following Summary Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Defendant's publication constituted libel against the Claimant
  2. 2 Assessment of damages for libel including aggravated damages
  3. 3 Entitlement to injunctive relief

Ratio Decidendi

The Defendant published false and defamatory statements alleging the Claimant was a struck off solicitor, causing serious harm to reputation and feelings. The Defendant acted recklessly, motivated by hostile animus, persisted in the libel, and pursued damaging slurs in proceedings. Damages are assessed at £18,000, reflecting aggravation, and permanent injunctive relief is granted to prevent repetition.

Court Disposition

Judgment for the Claimant

Orders

  • Damages awarded in the sum of £18,000
  • Permanent injunctive relief granted in terms of draft submitted by Claimant