XXXX Known As Jean Hatchet v Varma [2021] EWHC 1709 (QB) (28 June 2021)

XXXX Known As Jean Hatchet v Varma [2021] EWHC 1709 (QB) (28 June 2021)

The Defendant's Tweets were defamatory, imputing dishonesty and theft to the Claimant, causing serious reputational harm and distress. The court accepted the Claimant's unchallenged evidence and awarded £45,000 in general compensatory damages, including aggravated damages, and costs.

Citation
[2021] EWHC 1709
Parties
Claimant: XXXX Known as Jean Hatchet; Defendant: Shanu Varma
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
28 June 2021
Procedural Posture
Defamation / Trial of Remedies and Costs Following Default Judgment
Outcome
Claim allowed. Judgment for the Claimant.
Legal Topics
Libel, Social Media Publication, Damages Assessment, Aggravated Damages
Defamation Media Law Libel Social Media Publication Damages Assessment Aggravated Damages

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Parties

XXXX Known as Jean Hatchet

Claimant

Shanu Varma

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Defamation / Trial of Remedies and Costs Following Default Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Tweets published by the Defendant were defamatory of the Claimant
  2. 2 Whether the publications caused serious harm to the Claimant's reputation
  3. 3 Assessment of damages for defamation including aggravated damages

Ratio Decidendi

The Defendant's Tweets were defamatory, imputing dishonesty and theft to the Claimant, causing serious reputational harm and distress. The court accepted the Claimant's unchallenged evidence and awarded £45,000 in general compensatory damages, including aggravated damages, and costs.

Court Disposition

Claim allowed. Judgment for the Claimant.

Orders

  • Defendant to pay £45,000 in general compensatory damages (including aggravated damages) to the Claimant.
  • Defendant to pay the Claimant's costs, summarily assessed.