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 William Bennett KC, on what was scheduled to be the first day of trial.
The Lost King concerned the discovery and the identification of the mortal remains of Richard III following an archaeological dig in 2012. Philippa Langley (a screenwriter, and then Secretary of the Scottish Branch of the Richard III Society) caused the remains to be found by driving forward a project to search for them in the Social Services car park in Leicester city centre.
The University of Leicester played a crucial role in providing funds and academic expertise in pursuance of this project. In particular, University of Leicester Archaeological Services (known as ULAS) conducted the dig and, in 2013, University experts determined that the DNA found in the remains uncovered at the dig were those of Richard III.
Mr Taylor was employed by the university at the time as its Director of Corporate Affairs and then as its Deputy Registrar.
Mr Taylor was the key co-ordinator of the university’s involvement in the project. He was depicted in the film performing this role. The film used his real name.
At a preliminary issue trial His Honour Judge Lewis concluded that the film portrayed Mr Taylor as having: (1) “knowingly misrepresented facts to the media and the public concerning the search for, and discovery of, Richard III’s remains. He did so by presenting a false account of the University’s role in the project, and marginalizing Ms Langley’s role, despite her major contribution to the find.”; and (2) that his “conduct towards Ms Langley in respect of the project was smug, unduly dismissive and patronising.”
Prior to settlement, the Defendants were poised to advance defences of truth and honest opinion at the trial.
In settlement of the claim the Defendants have agreed to pay Mr Taylor substantial damages and his legal costs. They have also undertaken not to repeat the allegations and to make changes to the film in order to withdraw the allegations from publication. As part of the settlement they have also agreed to Mr Taylor making a unilateral statement in open court that the depiction of him in the untrue way in the film caused serious harm to his professional and personal reputation and caused enormous distress.
The statement in open court is available here.
Mr Taylor was represented by 5RB’s William Bennett KC and Victoria Jolliffe. They were instructed by Daniel Jennings and Simran Kang of Shakespeare Martineau.
5RB’s Andrew Caldecott KC, Antony White KC and 5RB’s Gervase de Wilde and Hope Williams acted as counsel for the Defendants. They were instructed by Caroline Kean and Adelaide Lopez of Wiggin.