Daniels v British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Daniels v British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

The feedback schedule comprised minor criticisms of performance in a junior administrative role, not capable of bearing any defamatory meaning; even if defamatory, the threshold of seriousness is not met; all publications were made on occasions of qualified privilege, and there is no evidence of malice; claims are totally without merit and are struck out.

Parties
Claimant: Dr Christopher Sydney Daniels; Defendant: British Broadcasting Corporation
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
24 November 2010
Procedural Posture
Civil Libel / Summary Judgment and Strike Out Application
Outcome
Claims struck out; summary judgment granted for Defendants.
Legal Topics
Libel, Qualified Privilege, Malice, Business Defamation, Civil Restraint Orders
Defamation Employment Law Libel Qualified Privilege Malice Business Defamation Civil Restraint Orders

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 5 Authorities cited 23 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 4
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Dr Christopher Sydney Daniels

Claimant

British Broadcasting Corporation

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Libel / Summary Judgment and Strike Out Application

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the words complained of are capable of bearing any meaning defamatory of the Claimant
  2. 2 Whether the defence of qualified privilege applies
  3. 3 Whether there is evidence of malice sufficient to defeat qualified privilege

Ratio Decidendi

The feedback schedule comprised minor criticisms of performance in a junior administrative role, not capable of bearing any defamatory meaning; even if defamatory, the threshold of seriousness is not met; all publications were made on occasions of qualified privilege, and there is no evidence of malice; claims are totally without merit and are struck out.

Court Disposition

Claims struck out; summary judgment granted for Defendants.

Orders

  • Claims against BBC, Ms Bird, and Ms Heidari struck out.
  • Court's order to record claims are totally without merit.