Haji-Ioannou v Mark Dixon Regus Group Plc & Anor

Haji-Ioannou v Mark Dixon Regus Group Plc & Anor

The court found that, given the seriousness of the allegations, the claimant's reputation, and the context of publication to a Financial Times journalist, it could not be concluded at this stage that damages would be minimal or that the action was an abuse of process. The application to strike out was dismissed.

Parties
Claimant: Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou; Defendant: Mark Dixon; Defendant: Regus Group PLC; Defendant: Tim Regan
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
06 February 2009
Procedural Posture
Defamation (libel And/or Slander) / Application to Strike Out Action as Abuse of Process
Outcome
Application to strike out dismissed; action stayed for a short period to facilitate settlement negotiations.
Legal Topics
Abuse of Process, Libel, Slander, Case Management, Justification, Qualified Privilege
Defamation Civil Procedure Abuse of Process Libel Slander Case Management Justification Qualified Privilege

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Parties

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou

Claimant

Mark Dixon

Defendant

Regus Group PLC

Defendant

Tim Regan

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Defamation (libel And/or Slander) / Application to Strike Out Action as Abuse of Process

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the action for libel/slander constitutes an abuse of the process of the court
  2. 2 Whether the publication complained of is trivial or substantial
  3. 3 Whether damages are likely to be minimal or substantial

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that, given the seriousness of the allegations, the claimant's reputation, and the context of publication to a Financial Times journalist, it could not be concluded at this stage that damages would be minimal or that the action was an abuse of process. The application to strike out was dismissed.

Court Disposition

Application to strike out dismissed; action stayed for a short period to facilitate settlement negotiations.

Orders

  • Action stayed for a short period from the date of judgment to allow parties to negotiate settlement.
  • Parties may make submissions on the length of the stay when judgment is handed down.