HM Attorney General v MGN Ltd & Anor

HM Attorney General v MGN Ltd & Anor

The publication of the articles by both defendants created substantial risks to the administration of justice, constituting contempt of court. The aggravating feature was the disregard of a clear warning by the Attorney General. Fines were imposed based on the severity and acknowledgment of contempt.

Parties
Claimant: Her Majesty's Attorney General; First Defendant: MGN Limited; Second Defendant: News Group Newspapers Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
29 July 2011
Procedural Posture
Contempt of Court / Judgment
Outcome
Contempt of court established; fines imposed; costs awarded; leave to appeal refused; extension of time to apply for leave to Supreme Court granted.
Legal Topics
Contempt of Court, Defamation, Administration of Justice
Criminal Law Media Law Contempt of Court Defamation Administration of Justice

Case Brief

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Parties

Her Majesty's Attorney General

Claimant

MGN Limited

First Defendant

News Group Newspapers Limited

Second Defendant

Procedural Posture

Contempt of Court / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the publication of articles by the defendants constituted contempt of court by creating substantial risks to the administration of justice.
  2. 2 Appropriate penalties for contempt.
  3. 3 Whether leave to appeal should be granted.

Ratio Decidendi

The publication of the articles by both defendants created substantial risks to the administration of justice, constituting contempt of court. The aggravating feature was the disregard of a clear warning by the Attorney General. Fines were imposed based on the severity and acknowledgment of contempt.

Court Disposition

Contempt of court established; fines imposed; costs awarded; leave to appeal refused; extension of time to apply for leave to Supreme Court granted.

Orders

  • MGN Limited fined £50,000.
  • News Group Newspapers Limited fined £18,000.