Charman v Orion Publishing Group Ltd & Ors

Charman v Orion Publishing Group Ltd & Ors

The book, considered as a whole, does not convey that Mr Charman is guilty of corruption but does convey that there are cogent grounds to suspect he abused his position as a police officer by colluding with Brennan in substantial fraud and receiving corrupt payments totalling £50,000.

Parties
Claimant: Michael Charman; Defendant: Orion Publishing Group Limited; Defendant: Orion Books Limited; Defendant: Graeme McLagan
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
14 October 2005
Procedural Posture
Libel Action / Trial of Preliminary Issue on Meaning
Outcome
Determination of meaning: the book conveys cogent grounds to suspect Mr Charman of corruption, not guilt.
Legal Topics
Libel, Meaning of Defamatory Words, Police Corruption, Publication Context
Defamation Libel Meaning of Defamatory Words Police Corruption Publication Context

Case Brief

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Parties

Michael Charman

Claimant

Orion Publishing Group Limited

Defendant

Orion Books Limited

Defendant

Graeme McLagan

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Action / Trial of Preliminary Issue on Meaning

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the defamatory meaning conveyed by the book 'Bent Coppers' regarding Mr Charman?
  2. 2 Does the book impute guilt of corruption or a lesser defamatory meaning?

Ratio Decidendi

The book, considered as a whole, does not convey that Mr Charman is guilty of corruption but does convey that there are cogent grounds to suspect he abused his position as a police officer by colluding with Brennan in substantial fraud and receiving corrupt payments totalling £50,000.

Court Disposition

Determination of meaning: the book conveys cogent grounds to suspect Mr Charman of corruption, not guilt.

Orders

  • Parties to consider their positions in light of this ruling on meaning.