Miller v Associated Newspapers Ltd

Miller v Associated Newspapers Ltd

The Defendant failed to establish reasonable grounds to suspect Mr Miller was a willing beneficiary of improper conduct and cronyism in the award of Metropolitan Police Service contracts. The defence of justification fails. The action is not an abuse of process. Damages are awarded to vindicate Mr Miller's reputation.

Parties
Claimant: Andrew Miller; Defendant: Associated Newspapers Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
21 December 2012
Procedural Posture
Libel Action / Judgment After Trial
Outcome
Claim allowed
Legal Topics
Justification Defence, Abuse of Process, Damages Assessment, Hearsay Evidence, Public Procurement
Defamation Media Law Justification Defence Abuse of Process Damages Assessment Hearsay Evidence Public Procurement

Case Brief

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Parties

Andrew Miller

Claimant

Associated Newspapers Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Action / Judgment After Trial

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Article's defamatory meaning is substantially true
  2. 2 Whether the action is an abuse of process
  3. 3 Assessment of damages

Ratio Decidendi

The Defendant failed to establish reasonable grounds to suspect Mr Miller was a willing beneficiary of improper conduct and cronyism in the award of Metropolitan Police Service contracts. The defence of justification fails. The action is not an abuse of process. Damages are awarded to vindicate Mr Miller's reputation.

Court Disposition

Claim allowed

Orders

  • Defendant to pay damages of £65,000 to Claimant
  • Defendant to pay Claimant's costs