Bowman v MGN Ltd [2010] EWHC 895 (QB) (26 April 2010)

Bowman v MGN Ltd [2010] EWHC 895 (QB) (26 April 2010)

The appropriate starting figure for damages is £8,500, reflecting the limited gravity and scale of the libel, but a 50% discount is applied for early apology, prompt removal, and use of the offer of amends procedure, resulting in an award of £4,250.

Citation
[2010] EWHC 895
Parties
Claimant: Simon Bowman; Defendant: MGN Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
26 April 2010
Procedural Posture
Defamation Claim (assessment of Damages After Offer of Amends) / Judgment on Quantum Following Acceptance of Offer of Amends
Outcome
Claimant awarded damages
Legal Topics
Offer of Amends, Assessment of Damages, Libel, Mitigation of Damages
Defamation Media Law Offer of Amends Assessment of Damages Libel Mitigation of Damages

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Parties

Simon Bowman

Claimant

MGN Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Defamation Claim (assessment of Damages After Offer of Amends) / Judgment on Quantum Following Acceptance of Offer of Amends

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the appropriate amount of compensation for the claimant under the offer of amends procedure for a defamatory online article?

Ratio Decidendi

The appropriate starting figure for damages is £8,500, reflecting the limited gravity and scale of the libel, but a 50% discount is applied for early apology, prompt removal, and use of the offer of amends procedure, resulting in an award of £4,250.

Court Disposition

Claimant awarded damages

Orders

  • Defendant to pay the claimant £4,250 in damages