Stephen Suttle KC 1949-2025
Chambers is sad to report the death of a much-loved colleague and formidable barrister. Stephen joined 1 Brick Court in 1980 and took silk in 2003. His junior practice included substantial commercial cases as well… Read More »
Court holds that it has no jurisdiction under CPR 3.1(7) to set aside libel judgment
On 5 December 2025, Guy Vassall-Adams KC (sitting as a Deputy High Court Judge) dismissed a defendant’s application to set aside the judgments against him, on liability and remedies, on the ground that they had… Read More »
University retracts false ‘forced labour’ claims against Hong Kong company
Sheffield Hallam University today retracted false claims it had published about Hong Kong clothing business Smart Shirts Limited, in a statement in open court read before Mr Justice Nicklin. The University had alleged, in a… Read More »
Meaning ruling in Andy Ngo v Guardian News & Media Ltd
The High Court (DHCJ Guy Vassall-Adams KC) has determined meaning following a preliminary issue trial in a libel claim brought by Andy Ngo, a journalist and the author of the book Unmasked: Inside Antifa’s Radical… Read More »
Claimant refused permission to appeal in Amersi v BBC
The Court of Appeal has refused an application by Mohamed Amersi in his libel claim against the BBC for permission to appeal against parts of a June order of Johnson J concerning interim applications by… Read More »
Home Secretary apologises in open Court to Chowdhury Mueen-Uddin
Today, in the High Court in London before Mrs Justice Hill, the Home Secretary and the Home Office have apologised unreservedly to Chowdhury Mueen-Uddin, a prominent British Muslim community leader, and paid him £225,000 in… Read More »
Summary judgment and permanent injunction granted in corporate harassment claim
In a judgment handed down on 13 November, the High Court has granted summary judgment and a permanent injunction in an action brought by three corporate claimants under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. The… Read More »
Patrick McCafferty KC to be sworn in as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland
5RB is delighted to announce that Associate Member Patrick McCafferty KC has been appointed to the Supreme Court of Queensland. He will be sworn in on Monday 24 November 2025 and has been assigned to… Read More »
High Court condemns ‘unsubstantiated character assassination’ in £70,000 libel judgment
Dr Matthew Garrett, a software engineer and free software activist, has been awarded £70,000 in damages for libel in a judgment by the High Court. Dr Garrett issued libel proceedings over a number of defamatory… Read More »
Chambers UK Bar Awards 2025
5RB has won the Media, Privacy, Information Law Set of the Year at the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2025. Members of chambers were also shortlisted in the following categories. Media, Privacy, Information Law – Set Media,… Read More »
McGrail Inquiry delivers its final report in Gibraltar
The Inquiry into the Retirement of the Former Commissioner of Police has today delivered its Final Report to the Government of Gibraltar. Julian Santos and Hope Williams of 5RB acted as Counsel to the Inquiry since 2022,… Read More »
Claimant refused permission to appeal in Hegab v Spectator
The Court of Appeal (Civil Division) has refused Mohamed Hegab permission to appeal against the judgment of Johnson J in the High Court ([2025] EWHC 2043 (KB)), which dismissed Mr Hegab’s claims in libel and… Read More »
Identifying wrongdoers – Is there a third, even better alternative?
Article by 5RB’s Chris Zabilowicz The question of how best to identify anonymous online wrongdoers has become increasingly pressing for media and privacy practitioners. Traditionally, claimants have relied on Norwich Pharmacal Orders (“NPOs”) to obtain… Read More »
Dale Vince granted permission to appeal
The Court of Appeal (Civil Division) has granted Dale Vince permission to appeal against the judgment of Swift J in the High Court ([2025] EWHC 1411 (KB)), which struck out Mr Vince’s claim against Associated… Read More »
Duncan and Neill on Defamation 6th Edition
Duncan and Neill on Defamation and other Media and Communications Claims 6th Edition The sixth edition of this highly regarded work is now available. Published by LexisNexis Butterworths, this publication is intended to be a… Read More »
Settlement in Richard Taylor v (1) Pathe Productions (2) Baby Cow Productions and (3) Steve Coogan
A claim by Mr Richard Taylor for libel arising from the film The Lost King has settled in his favour. A statement in open court was read on behalf of Mr Taylor today by 5RB’s… Read More »
Court of Appeal Judgment in Blake & Ors v Fox
On Friday, the Court of Appeal handed down judgment in Blake & Ors v Fox ([2025] EWCA Civ 1321). The Court of Appeal allowed Mr Fox’s appeal in part against the decision of Collins Rice… Read More »
5RB ranked in Chambers and Partners 2026 Guide
5RB is pleased to announce that 32 members of Chambers have been ranked in the Chambers and Partners 2026. Chambers is also ranked in Defamation & Privacy (Band 1) and Data Protection (Band 3). You… Read More »
5RB Charity Annual Quiz Night 2025
Last week, 5RB hosted its 17th Annual Charity Quiz at the Crypt on the Green to raise funds for Advocate and the Free Representation Unit. This year, we were joined by 24 teams from various… Read More »
Julian Santos appointed King’s Counsel in Gibraltar
5RB is delighted to announce that Julian Santos has been appointed King’s Counsel in Gibraltar. Julian was called to the Bar in 2008 and has practised at 5RB since he became a tenant in 2014…. Read More »