‘Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away!’ Claimants win £20,000

Judgment handed down in privacy case  

On 22 February 2018 Arnold J handed down judgment in a misuse of private information claim brought by Mr Ali and his wife Mr Aslam against Channel 5. The Claimants sued on the broadcast of an episode of ‘Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away!’. They did not complain about the filming of the eviction itself.

The judge held that the programme did contribute to a debate of general interest but that the use of the Claimants’ private information went beyond what was justified for the purposes of the public interest.

The judge awarded the claimants £20,000 in damages.

The judgment is available below.

5RB’s William Bennett and Felicity McMahon acted for the Claimants. 5RB’s Tom Blackburn SC, led by Antony White QC acted for Channel 5.

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