Jonathan Wilfred Samuel v The Information Commissioner

Jonathan Wilfred Samuel v The Information Commissioner

The Tribunal found that the motive behind the request was inappropriately personal and focused on discrediting the former head teacher, rather than serving a genuine public interest. The request had limited value to the public and was not a proper use of FOIA. On balance, the factors of motive and value outweighed...

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Appellant: Jonathan Wilfred Samuel; Respondent: The Information Commissioner
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
07 May 2026
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Final Judgment
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Freedom of Information, Vexatious Requests, Safeguarding, Public Interest, Procedural Fairness
Information Rights Administrative Law Freedom of Information Vexatious Requests Safeguarding Public Interest Procedural Fairness

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Parties

Jonathan Wilfred Samuel

Appellant

The Information Commissioner

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the School was entitled to rely on section 14(1) of FOIA to refuse the request as vexatious
  2. 2 Whether the Information Commissioner's Decision Notice was made in accordance with the law

Ratio Decidendi

The Tribunal found that the motive behind the request was inappropriately personal and focused on discrediting the former head teacher, rather than serving a genuine public interest. The request had limited value to the public and was not a proper use of FOIA. On balance, the factors of motive and value outweighed those of burden and harassment, justifying the School's reliance on section 14(1) to refuse the request as vexatious.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • The School is entitled to rely on section 14(1) of FOIA to refuse the request as vexatious.
  • No further orders issued.