Harrath v Stand for Peace Ltd & Anor

Harrath v Stand for Peace Ltd & Anor

The claimant is entitled to £140,000 in compensatory damages for the defamatory allegation of terrorism, reflecting the seriousness of the charge, the aggravating conduct of the defendants, and the need for vindication, but proportionate to the likely extent of publication.

Parties
Claimant: Mohamed Ali Harrath; Defendant: Stand For Peace Limited; Defendant: Samuel Westrop
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
30 March 2017
Procedural Posture
Defamation / Assessment of Compensatory Damages After Default Judgment
Outcome
Claim allowed. Judgment for the claimant.
Legal Topics
Libel, Damages, Aggravated Damages, Vindication of Reputation
Defamation Tort Libel Damages Aggravated Damages Vindication of Reputation

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Parties

Mohamed Ali Harrath

Claimant

Stand For Peace Limited

Defendant

Samuel Westrop

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Defamation / Assessment of Compensatory Damages After Default Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the appropriate quantum of compensatory damages for the defamatory publication accusing the claimant of being a convicted terrorist?
  2. 2 Are there aggravating or mitigating factors affecting the damages award?

Ratio Decidendi

The claimant is entitled to £140,000 in compensatory damages for the defamatory allegation of terrorism, reflecting the seriousness of the charge, the aggravating conduct of the defendants, and the need for vindication, but proportionate to the likely extent of publication.

Court Disposition

Claim allowed. Judgment for the claimant.

Orders

  • Defendants to pay the claimant £140,000 in compensatory damages.