Cases

Turcu v News Group Newspapers Ltd

Facts

The Claimant sued in respect of articles published in November 2002 alleging he was a member of a gang of criminals which had planned to kidnap Victoria Beckham. The Defendant relied upon covertly recorded video tapes in support of its plea of justification. Shortly before witness statements were exchanged the Claimant admitted that Alin Turcu was not his real name and that by using this name he had deceived the UK immigration authorities as well as the parties and the court in these proceedings. There was no evidence in any form from the Claimant for use at trial and his solicitor, who was acting under a CFA agreement, asserted that the Claimant was in Romania and was unable to attend trial.

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