John McTighe v The Information Commissioner & Anor
The Tribunal found the request to be vexatious under section 14(1) FOIA due to its continuation of an obsessive campaign, harassment and distress caused to staff, and lack of overriding public interest, affirming the Information Commissioner's decision.
- Parties
- Appellant: John McTighe; First Respondent: The Information Commissioner; Second Respondent: The Welsh Government (Llywodraeth Cymru)
- Jurisdiction
- England and Wales
- Judgment Date
- 11 September 2024
- Procedural Posture
- Appeal / Judgment After Hearing on the Papers
- Outcome
- Appeal dismissed
- Legal Topics
- Freedom of Information, Vexatious Requests, Section 14(1) FOIA, Public Interest, Harassment and Distress
Case Brief
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
John McTighe
Appellant
The Information Commissioner
First Respondent
The Welsh Government (Llywodraeth Cymru)
Second Respondent
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Judgment After Hearing on the Papers
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the request to the Welsh Government was vexatious under section 14(1) FOIA
- 2 Whether the public interest justified disclosure of the requested information
- 3 Whether the conduct of the appellant amounted to harassment or distress of staff
Ratio Decidendi
The Tribunal found the request to be vexatious under section 14(1) FOIA due to its continuation of an obsessive campaign, harassment and distress caused to staff, and lack of overriding public interest, affirming the Information Commissioner's decision.
Court Disposition
Appeal dismissed
Orders
- Appeal dismissed
- Welsh Government to provide further submissions on costs or financial penalties within 28 days
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
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