Craig Wright v Peter McCormack

Craig Wright v Peter McCormack

Dr Wright's conduct in advancing a deliberately false case justified nominal damages, no injunctive relief, refusal of permission to appeal, and indemnity costs against him except for prior costs orders, while breach of embargo required contempt proceedings.

Parties
Claimant: Craig Wright; Defendant: Peter McCormack
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
21 December 2022
Procedural Posture
Civil / Post Trial Judgment Addressing Ancillary Matters
Outcome
Summons for contempt proceedings issued; no injunctive relief; permission to appeal refused; indemnity costs awarded against Dr Wright except for prior costs orders.
Legal Topics
Libel, Damages, Injunctive Relief, Contempt of Court, Costs, Appeal Permission
Defamation Civil Procedure Media Law Libel Damages Injunctive Relief Contempt of Court Costs +1 more

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Parties

Craig Wright

Claimant

Peter McCormack

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Post Trial Judgment Addressing Ancillary Matters

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Dr Wright breached the embargo on the draft judgment
  2. 2 Whether injunctive relief should be granted to restrain Mr McCormack from repeating defamatory statements
  3. 3 Whether Dr Wright should have permission to appeal the nominal damages award

Ratio Decidendi

Dr Wright's conduct in advancing a deliberately false case justified nominal damages, no injunctive relief, refusal of permission to appeal, and indemnity costs against him except for prior costs orders, while breach of embargo required contempt proceedings.

Court Disposition

Summons for contempt proceedings issued; no injunctive relief; permission to appeal refused; indemnity costs awarded against Dr Wright except for prior costs orders.

Orders

  • Dr Wright to attend directions hearing for contempt proceedings regarding embargo breach.
  • No injunctive relief granted; undertaking by Mr McCormack not accepted.