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 natural and ordinary meanings of the words complained of in both articles substantially accord with the meanings pleaded by the Claimant, with minor qualifications. The Defendant's Lucas-Box meanings are largely permissible, provided they do not introduce separate and distinct defamatory imputations outside the...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2015] EWHC 620 (QB)
Parties
Claimant: Bruno Lachaux; Defendant: Independent Print Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 March 2015
Procedural Posture
Libel Action (defamation) / Preliminary Issue Determination on Meaning
Outcome
Preliminary issue determined: natural and ordinary meanings of the articles set out as per judgment.
Legal Topics
Libel, Meaning of Defamatory Statements, Lucas Box Meanings, Polly Peck Rule, Repetition Rule
Defamation Media Law Libel Meaning of Defamatory Statements Lucas Box Meanings Polly Peck Rule Repetition Rule

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Parties

Bruno Lachaux

Claimant

Independent Print Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Action (defamation) / Preliminary Issue Determination on Meaning

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What are the natural and ordinary meanings of the words complained of in the articles published by The Independent and the Evening Standard?
  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 Polly Peck rule?

Ratio Decidendi

The natural and ordinary meanings of the words complained of in both articles substantially accord with the meanings pleaded by the Claimant, with minor qualifications. The Defendant's Lucas-Box meanings are largely permissible, provided they do not introduce separate and distinct defamatory imputations outside the scope of the Claimant's complaint. The repetition rule remains applicable post-Defamation Act 2013.

Court Disposition

Preliminary issue determined: natural and ordinary meanings of the articles set out as per judgment.

Orders

  • Court sets out the natural and ordinary meanings for each article as found.
  • Other preliminary matters (e.g., serious harm, public interest) remain outstanding and may be resolved later.