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 are made in a brief, isolated incident, with no evidence of actual injury to reputation or need for public vindication, and where the defendant has admitted liability and expressed remorse.

Citation
[2011] EWHC 1201 (QB)
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 defendant's statements constituted actionable slander
  2. 2 Appropriate quantum of damages for slanderous statements made in the presence of third parties

Ratio Decidendi

A modest sum of damages is appropriate where slanderous statements are made in a brief, isolated incident, with no evidence of actual injury to reputation or need for public vindication, and where the defendant has admitted liability and expressed remorse.

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