Glenn v Kline [2021] EWHC 468 (QB) (05 March 2021)

Glenn v Kline [2021] EWHC 468 (QB) (05 March 2021)

The Defendant's persistent, serious, and unsubstantiated defamatory and harassing publications caused significant harm to the Claimant's reputation and feelings. The Defendant failed to engage with the proceedings or provide any defence. The Claimant is entitled to substantial damages, amendment of the claim to increase the damages cap, an order for publication of a summary of the judgment, and costs. The court's orders are subject to the Defendant's right to apply to set aside under CPR 39.3.

Citation
[2021] EWHC 468
Parties
Claimant: Martin Glenn; Defendant: Craig Kline
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
05 March 2021
Procedural Posture
Civil Defamation and Harassment / Remedies Hearing Following Default Judgment
Outcome
Claim allowed. Damages awarded. Amendment of claim permitted. Order for publication of summary judgment granted. Costs awarded.
Legal Topics
Libel, Online Harassment, Default Judgment, Damages Assessment, Freedom of Expression, Amendment of Claim, Costs
Defamation Harassment Civil Procedure Libel Online Harassment Default Judgment Damages Assessment Freedom of Expression +2 more

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Parties

Martin Glenn

Claimant

Craig Kline

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Defamation and Harassment / Remedies Hearing Following Default Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Appropriate level of damages for libel and harassment
  2. 2 Whether to grant order for publication of summary judgment under s12 Defamation Act 2013
  3. 3 Whether to permit amendment of claim to increase damages sought

Ratio Decidendi

The Defendant's persistent, serious, and unsubstantiated defamatory and harassing publications caused significant harm to the Claimant's reputation and feelings. The Defendant failed to engage with the proceedings or provide any defence. The Claimant is entitled to substantial damages, amendment of the claim to increase the damages cap, an order for publication of a summary of the judgment, and costs. The court's orders are subject to the Defendant's right to apply to set aside under CPR 39.3.

Court Disposition

Claim allowed. Damages awarded. Amendment of claim permitted. Order for publication of summary judgment granted. Costs awarded.

Orders

  • Claimant awarded £25,000 general damages for harassment (pre-May 2019 publications).
  • Claimant permitted to amend claim to increase damages cap to £100,000, conditional on payment of additional court fee.