Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd

The articles in The Independent and Evening Standard bear the defamatory meanings pleaded by the claimant, with minor qualifications, and the Lucas-Box meanings pleaded by the defendants are largely supported by the articles, subject to exclusion of rhetorical embellishments. The repetition rule remains applicable, requiring proof of substantive allegations attributed to third parties.

Parties
Claimant: Bruno Lachaux; Defendant: Independent Print Limited; Defendant: Evening Standard Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 March 2015
Procedural Posture
Libel / Preliminary Determination of Meaning
Outcome
Preliminary determination of meanings in favour of claimant's pleaded meanings, subject to minor qualifications.
Legal Topics
Libel, Meaning Determination, Lucas Box Meanings, Repetition Rule, Truth Defence
Defamation Media Law Libel Meaning Determination Lucas Box Meanings Repetition Rule Truth Defence

Case Brief

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Parties

Bruno Lachaux

Claimant

Independent Print Limited

Defendant

Evening Standard Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel / Preliminary Determination of Meaning

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What defamatory meanings are conveyed by the articles in The Independent and Evening Standard?
  2. 2 Are the Lucas-Box meanings pleaded by the defendants permissible and supported by the articles?
  3. 3 Do the articles attribute false allegations and conduct to the claimant?

Ratio Decidendi

The articles in The Independent and Evening Standard bear the defamatory meanings pleaded by the claimant, with minor qualifications, and the Lucas-Box meanings pleaded by the defendants are largely supported by the articles, subject to exclusion of rhetorical embellishments. The repetition rule remains applicable, requiring proof of substantive allegations attributed to third parties.

Court Disposition

Preliminary determination of meanings in favour of claimant's pleaded meanings, subject to minor qualifications.

Orders

  • Natural and ordinary meanings of the articles set out for both The Independent and Evening Standard.
  • Lucas-Box meanings largely accepted, subject to exclusion of rhetorical terms.