Monir v Wood

Monir v Wood

Mr Wood is liable for the publication of the 4 May Tweet as Mr Langley acted as his agent in posting campaign material on the Bristol UKIP Twitter account, a task delegated by Mr Wood. Mr Wood had effective control over the account and, after being notified of the defamatory Tweet, failed to remove it, thereby ratifying its continued publication. The Tweet was published to individuals who identified Mr Monir and believed the allegation, causing serious harm to his reputation. The seriousness of the allegation and the evidence of harm justify a substantial award of damages.

Parties
Claimant: Zahir Monir; Defendant: Steve Wood
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
19 December 2018
Procedural Posture
Defamation / Judgment After Trial
Outcome
Claim allowed. Judgment for the claimant.
Legal Topics
Agency Liability, Vicarious Liability, Social Media Publication, Serious Harm Threshold, Reference in Defamation, Ratification of Publication
Defamation Tort Law Agency Liability Vicarious Liability Social Media Publication Serious Harm Threshold Reference in Defamation Ratification of Publication

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Parties

Zahir Monir

Claimant

Steve Wood

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Defamation / Judgment After Trial

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the meaning of the 4 May Tweet?
  2. 2 Did the 4 May Tweet refer, and was it understood to refer, to Mr Monir?
  3. 3 Is Mr Wood responsible for publication of the 4 May Tweet?

Ratio Decidendi

Mr Wood is liable for the publication of the 4 May Tweet as Mr Langley acted as his agent in posting campaign material on the Bristol UKIP Twitter account, a task delegated by Mr Wood. Mr Wood had effective control over the account and, after being notified of the defamatory Tweet, failed to remove it, thereby ratifying its continued publication. The Tweet was published to individuals who identified Mr Monir and believed the allegation, causing serious harm to his reputation. The seriousness of the allegation and the evidence of harm justify a substantial award of damages.

Court Disposition

Claim allowed. Judgment for the claimant.

Orders

  • Damages awarded in the sum of £40,000 to Zahir Monir against Steve Wood.
  • No injunction granted.