Campbell v Safra [2006] EWHC 819 (QB) (12 April 2006)

Campbell v Safra [2006] EWHC 819 (QB) (12 April 2006)

The Claimant failed to provide any evidence that the Defendant was responsible for the publication of the allegedly defamatory statements, and the particulars of claim for inducement to breach of contract did not plead or establish the essential elements of the tort. Accordingly, both claims were dismissed.

Citation
[2006] EWHC 819 (QB)
Parties
Claimant: Lady Colin Campbell; Defendant: Lily Safra
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
12 April 2006
Procedural Posture
Civil / Summary Judgment/strike Out Application
Outcome
Claims dismissed; summary judgment for Defendant.
Legal Topics
Libel, Inducement to Breach of Contract, Summary Judgment, Qualified Privilege, Fair Comment, Justification, Publication, Mental Element in Tort
Defamation Tort Libel Inducement to Breach of Contract Summary Judgment Qualified Privilege Fair Comment Justification +2 more

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Parties

Lady Colin Campbell

Claimant

Lily Safra

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Summary Judgment/strike Out Application

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Defendant was responsible for the publication of allegedly defamatory statements about the Claimant in the Independent on Sunday on 24 July 2005
  2. 2 Whether the Defendant induced Arcadia Books to breach its publishing contract with the Claimant by threatening litigation and demanding withdrawal and pulping of the book Empress Bianca

Ratio Decidendi

The Claimant failed to provide any evidence that the Defendant was responsible for the publication of the allegedly defamatory statements, and the particulars of claim for inducement to breach of contract did not plead or establish the essential elements of the tort. Accordingly, both claims were dismissed.

Court Disposition

Claims dismissed; summary judgment for Defendant.

Orders

  • Summary judgment granted to Defendant on the libel claim.
  • Claim for inducement to breach of contract struck out.