Ware v Paddy French

Ware v Paddy French

The Article conveys as a matter of fact that Mr Ware is a rogue journalist who engaged in dirty tricks aimed at harming the Labour Party’s electoral prospects by presenting a biased and knowingly false programme, deliberately ignoring contrary evidence. These are statements of fact, not opinion, and are defamatory at common law.

Parties
Claimant: John Ware; Defendant: Paddy French
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
24 February 2021
Procedural Posture
Libel / Trial of Preliminary Issues
Outcome
Preliminary issues determined in favour of the Claimant on meaning, fact/opinion, and defamatory tendency.
Legal Topics
Libel, Meaning of Defamatory Statements, Fact Vs Opinion, Defamatory Tendency, Political Journalism
Defamation Media Law Libel Meaning of Defamatory Statements Fact Vs Opinion Defamatory Tendency Political Journalism

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Parties

John Ware

Claimant

Paddy French

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel / Trial of Preliminary Issues

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the natural and ordinary meaning of the Article?
  2. 2 Does the Article contain statements of fact or opinion?
  3. 3 Is the meaning as determined defamatory at common law?

Ratio Decidendi

The Article conveys as a matter of fact that Mr Ware is a rogue journalist who engaged in dirty tricks aimed at harming the Labour Party’s electoral prospects by presenting a biased and knowingly false programme, deliberately ignoring contrary evidence. These are statements of fact, not opinion, and are defamatory at common law.

Court Disposition

Preliminary issues determined in favour of the Claimant on meaning, fact/opinion, and defamatory tendency.