Hanson v Associated Newspapers Ltd

Hanson v Associated Newspapers Ltd

The Article's natural and ordinary meaning is that the Claimant, through her support for Vicki Paterson, her belief in Beech's claims, and her association with Beech, demonstrated lack of professional judgment and gave unjustified credibility to Beech's fantasies, sharing responsibility for ruined reputations and wasted public money. By accepting an advisory role on Operation Conifer after prejudging Sir Edward Heath's guilt, the Claimant demonstrated lack of impartiality and professional judgment. The defamatory element is supplied by the opinion expressed; factual allegations are not themselves defamatory.

Parties
Claimant: Eleanor Louise Hanson; Defendant: Associated Newspapers Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
01 May 2020
Procedural Posture
Libel Claim / Preliminary Issues Judgment
Outcome
Preliminary issues determined; Article's meaning found as set out in judgment.
Legal Topics
Libel, Fact Vs Opinion, Defamatory Meaning, Defamation Act 2013, Media Publications
Defamation Media Law Libel Fact Vs Opinion Defamatory Meaning Defamation Act 2013 Media Publications

Case Brief

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Parties

Eleanor Louise Hanson

Claimant

Associated Newspapers Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Claim / Preliminary Issues Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the natural and ordinary meaning of the Article?
  2. 2 Are the words complained of statements of fact or opinion?
  3. 3 If statements of opinion, does the Article indicate the basis of the opinion?

Ratio Decidendi

The Article's natural and ordinary meaning is that the Claimant, through her support for Vicki Paterson, her belief in Beech's claims, and her association with Beech, demonstrated lack of professional judgment and gave unjustified credibility to Beech's fantasies, sharing responsibility for ruined reputations and wasted public money. By accepting an advisory role on Operation Conifer after prejudging Sir Edward Heath's guilt, the Claimant demonstrated lack of impartiality and professional judgment. The defamatory element is supplied by the opinion expressed; factual allegations are not themselves defamatory.

Court Disposition

Preliminary issues determined; Article's meaning found as set out in judgment.

Orders

  • Natural and ordinary meaning of Article determined as per judgment.
  • Statements of opinion and fact delineated.