Chandler v O'Connor

The Defendant published serious defamatory allegations about the Claimant via Twitter, failed to engage with proceedings, and aggravated the injury by refusing to remove the Tweets and repeating allegations. The Claimant elected summary relief, so damages are capped at £10,000. The Defendant is ordered to pay damages and publish a correction/apology or summary of judgment.

Parties: Claimant: Christopher Chandler; Defendant: Arthur O'Connor
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 22 November 2019
Procedural Posture: Defamation / Summary Relief After Default Judgment
Outcome: Claimant awarded summary relief; Defendant ordered to pay damages and publish correction/apology or summary judgment.
Legal Topics: Libel, Social Media Publication, Summary Relief, Damages Assessment

Defamation Media Law Libel Social Media Publication Summary Relief Damages Assessment

Case Brief

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Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 10 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 4

Parties

Christopher Chandler

Claimant

Arthur O'Connor

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Defamation / Summary Relief After Default Judgment

Legal Issues

1 Whether the Defendant's Tweets were defamatory of the Claimant
2 Appropriate quantum of damages under summary relief
3 Whether a correction/apology or summary of judgment should be ordered

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

Claimant awarded summary relief; Defendant ordered to pay damages and publish correction/apology or summary judgment.

Orders

Defendant to pay £10,000 in damages to Claimant.
Defendant to publish a suitable correction and apology (if agreed) or, in default, a summary of the Court’s judgment as per Practice Direction.