Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd [2015] EWHC 620 (QB) (11 March 2015)

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd [2015] EWHC 620 (QB) (11 March 2015)

The articles in The Independent and Evening Standard bear the defamatory meanings pleaded by the Claimant, subject to minor qualifications, and most Lucas-Box meanings pleaded by the Defendant are supported by the articles but must not be 'separate and distinct' in violation of the Polly Peck rule. The repetition...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2015] EWHC 620
Parties
Claimant: Bruno Lachaux; Defendant: Independent Print Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 March 2015
Procedural Posture
Libel Action / Preliminary Determination of Meaning
Outcome
Court determines the natural and ordinary meanings of the articles as pleaded by the parties, subject to minor qualifications.
Legal Topics
Libel, Meaning Determination, Lucas Box Meanings, Repetition Rule
Defamation Media Law Libel Meaning Determination Lucas Box Meanings Repetition Rule

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Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Bruno Lachaux

Claimant

Independent Print Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Action / Preliminary Determination of Meaning

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What defamatory meanings are conveyed by the articles in The Independent and Evening Standard about Bruno Lachaux?
  2. 2 Are the meanings pleaded by the parties supported by the articles?
  3. 3 Are the Lucas-Box meanings pleaded by the Defendant permissible under the rule in Polly Peck?

Ratio Decidendi

The articles in The Independent and Evening Standard bear the defamatory meanings pleaded by the Claimant, subject to minor qualifications, and most Lucas-Box meanings pleaded by the Defendant are supported by the articles but must not be 'separate and distinct' in violation of the Polly Peck rule. The repetition rule remains applicable post-Defamation Act 2013.

Court Disposition

Court determines the natural and ordinary meanings of the articles as pleaded by the parties, subject to minor qualifications.

Orders

  • Natural and ordinary meanings for both articles set out in detail.
  • Lucas-Box meanings largely accepted, subject to Polly Peck rule.