Thornton v Telegraph Media Group Ltd (Rev 1)

Thornton v Telegraph Media Group Ltd (Rev 1)

Ms Barber knew or was reckless as to the falsity of the interview and copy approval allegations at the time of publication, and the offer of amends does not provide a defence. The allegations were malicious and caused reputational and pecuniary harm to Dr Thornton.

Parties
Claimant: Sarah Thornton; Defendant: Telegraph Media Group Ltd
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
26 July 2011
Procedural Posture
Civil / Final Judgment
Outcome
Claim succeeds
Legal Topics
Libel, Malicious Falsehood, Offer of Amends, Damages, Responsible Journalism
Defamation Media Law Tort Libel Malicious Falsehood Offer of Amends Damages Responsible Journalism

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Parties

Sarah Thornton

Claimant

Telegraph Media Group Ltd

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Ms Barber knew or was reckless as to the falsity of the interview allegation
  2. 2 Whether Ms Barber knew or was reckless as to the falsity of the copy approval allegation
  3. 3 Whether the offer of amends under s.4 Defamation Act 1996 provides a defence

Ratio Decidendi

Ms Barber knew or was reckless as to the falsity of the interview and copy approval allegations at the time of publication, and the offer of amends does not provide a defence. The allegations were malicious and caused reputational and pecuniary harm to Dr Thornton.

Court Disposition

Claim succeeds

Orders

  • Damages awarded to Dr Thornton in the sum of £65,000
  • Apology published by Telegraph Media Group