Wallis & Anor v Meredith

Wallis & Anor v Meredith

The claim is struck out as an abuse of process because it does not disclose a real and substantial tort; the only publication relied upon is to the claimants' solicitor, which does not justify the proceedings. Paragraphs 6.3 and 6.4 of the Particulars of Claim are speculative, premised on unproven wider publication, and must be struck out.

Parties
Claimant: Phillip Wallis; Claimant: GHP Securities Limited; Defendant: Justin Meredith
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
28 January 2011
Procedural Posture
Civil / Judgment on Application to Strike Out Claim
Outcome
claim dismissed
Legal Topics
Abuse of Process, Qualified Privilege, Aggravated Damages, Pre Action Disclosure, Strike Out Applications

Case Brief

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Parties

Phillip Wallis

Claimant

GHP Securities Limited

Claimant

Justin Meredith

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Judgment on Application to Strike Out Claim

  1. 1 Whether the claim discloses a real and substantial tort
  2. 2 Whether paragraphs 6.3 and 6.4 of the Particulars of Claim should be struck out
  3. 3 Whether publication to the claimants' solicitor constitutes actionable defamation

Ratio Decidendi

The claim is struck out as an abuse of process because it does not disclose a real and substantial tort; the only publication relied upon is to the claimants' solicitor, which does not justify the proceedings. Paragraphs 6.3 and 6.4 of the Particulars of Claim are speculative, premised on unproven wider publication, and must be struck out.

Court Disposition

claim dismissed

Orders

  • Claim struck out as abuse of process
  • Paragraphs 6.3 and 6.4 of the Particulars of Claim struck out