Clynes v O' Connor

Clynes v O' Connor

A modest sum of damages (£1,500) is appropriate as there was no evidence of actual injury to reputation or need for public vindication, and the primary concern was hurt feelings from a one-off incident.

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

Case Brief

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Parties

Michael Dennis Clynes

Claimant

Patricia O’Connor

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil 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 (£1,500) is appropriate as there was no evidence of actual injury to reputation or need for public vindication, and the primary concern was hurt feelings from a one-off incident.

Court Disposition

Damages awarded to claimant

Orders

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