Cases

Armstrong v Times Newspapers Ltd & Others (QB)

Facts

In June 2004, the Sunday Times published an article about the cyclist, Lance Armstrong, entitled "LA Confidential". The Claimant contended that the article suggested that he was guilty of taking performance enhancing drugs in cycling competitions. The Defendants contended that the article meant only that there were reasonable grounds to suspect the Claimant of doing so or that there were grounds to investigate whether he had. The Defendant also relied upon Reynolds qualified privilege defence. The Claimant applied to strike out (1) the "ground to investigate" meaning and supporting particulars of justification on the grounds of incapacity; and (2) the Reynolds defence on the basis that it had no prospects of success. The Defendants cross-applied for an order for security for costs and a costs-capping order.

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