Clynes v O' Connor [2011] EWHC 1201 (QB) (13 May 2011)

Clynes v O' Connor [2011] EWHC 1201 (QB) (13 May 2011)

A modest sum of damages is appropriate where slanderous statements were made in a brief outburst, with no evidence of actual injury to reputation or need for public vindication, and where the claimant's hurt feelings were not significant.

Citation
[2011] EWHC 1201
Parties
Claimant: Michael Dennis Clynes; Defendant: Patricia O'Connor
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
13 May 2011
Procedural Posture
Defamation (slander) / Assessment of Damages After Admission of Liability
Outcome
Damages awarded to claimant
Legal Topics
Slander, Damages, Neighbour Disputes, Costs
Tort Defamation Slander Damages Neighbour Disputes Costs

Case Brief

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Parties

Michael Dennis Clynes

Claimant

Patricia O'Connor

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Defamation (slander) / Assessment of Damages After Admission of Liability

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the slanderous statements caused injury to reputation or feelings
  2. 2 Appropriate quantum of damages for slander in the circumstances

Ratio Decidendi

A modest sum of damages is appropriate where slanderous statements were made in a brief outburst, with no evidence of actual injury to reputation or need for public vindication, and where the claimant's hurt feelings were not significant.

Court Disposition

Damages awarded to claimant

Orders

  • Defendant to pay claimant £1,500 in damages
  • Costs to be determined, expected to be modest and proportionate