Johnson v MGN Ltd

Johnson v MGN Ltd

The words complained of are at least capable of bearing the defamatory meanings pleaded, both as to the natural and ordinary meaning and the innuendo meaning, and it would be wrong to rule otherwise at this stage.

Parties
Claimant: Glen Johnson; Defendant: MGN Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
24 June 2009
Procedural Posture
Defamation (libel) / Interlocutory Application for Ruling on Meaning (cpr 53, PD 4.1)
Outcome
Defendant's application rejected
Legal Topics
Meaning in Libel Actions, Innuendo Meaning, Natural and Ordinary Meaning, Premier League Rules, Application of CPR 53
Defamation Media Law Meaning in Libel Actions Innuendo Meaning Natural and Ordinary Meaning Premier League Rules Application of CPR 53

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Parties

Glen Johnson

Claimant

MGN Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Defamation (libel) / Interlocutory Application for Ruling on Meaning (cpr 53, PD 4.1)

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Are the words complained of capable of bearing the natural and ordinary or innuendo meanings pleaded?
  2. 2 Are the words capable of conveying any defamatory meaning at all?

Ratio Decidendi

The words complained of are at least capable of bearing the defamatory meanings pleaded, both as to the natural and ordinary meaning and the innuendo meaning, and it would be wrong to rule otherwise at this stage.

Court Disposition

Defendant's application rejected

Orders

  • The Defendant's applications in respect of both meanings are rejected.