Godwin Busuttil

Godwin Busuttil

Godwin is a leading junior barrister who specialises in all areas of media and communications law. He acts for claimants and defendants.

Current or recent cases include George v Cannell (malicious falsehood; construction of s.3, Defamation Act 1952, Supreme Court), Harcombe v Associated Newspapers Ltd (libel; trial of s.4 public interest defence and other issues), Vince v Associated Newspapers Ltd (libel; innuendo case based on headline and photos), Stoute v News Group Newspapers Ltd (privacy; interim injunctions; reasonable expectation of privacy in public places; paparazzi), Riley v Murray (libel; defences of truth, honest opinion and publication on a matter of public interest; successful resistance of appeal to CA), Abramovich v HarperCollins Publishers Ltd (libel; meaning; SLAPPs), HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum v HRH Haya bint Al Hussein (Al M (Children)) (reporting divorce and custody proceedings; financial claim of £1.4 billion) and Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd (libel; serious harm and successful resistance of s.4 public interest defence at trial).

Godwin has appeared twice as a junior in media law cases in the UK Supreme Court – Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd in 2018 and George v Cannell in 2023 – and he followed (addressed the Court himself) on both occasions. Earlier in his career he appeared as the sole advocate for the appellants / claimants in the Court of Appeal in the libel cases of Tamiz v Google Inc and Cammish v Hughes. He acted for Sir Cliff Richard and J.K. Rowling and her family in their successful landmark privacy claims Richard v BBC & Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police and Murray v Express Newspapers & Big Pictures (UK) Ltd. He also successfully defended FTI Consulting Group Ltd in the commercial court website conspiracy claim, Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company v Al Refai, in which the claimants had quantified their loss at over £1 billion.

He was Defamation Junior of the Year in the Chambers UK Bar Awards in 2019 and was shortlisted for the same award in 2018. In 2022 he was part of The Lawyer‘s Litigation Team of the Year for his work on the case of Abramovich v HarperCollins Publishers Ltd and was also shortlisted as Media, Privacy and Information Law Junior of the Year in the Chambers UK Bar Awards.

Godwin is a General Editor of Gatley on Libel and Slander, the leading practitioners work. The 13th edition was published in May 2022. It is the fifth edition of the book to which Godwin has contributed. The First Supplement to the 13th edition is due to be published in December 2024.

Between 2009 and February 2022 Godwin was the Co-Editor of the Entertainment and Media Law Reports, the much cited specialist law reports. He contributes to The Law of Privacy and the Media. He co-wrote a new chapter for the third edition (2016) on ‘Privacy, the Internet and Social Media’, which is currently being updated for the forthcoming fourth edition. Godwin has published and refereed articles in the Journal of Media Law and has written for the Entertainment Law Review. In 2023 he wrote articles on the implications of the (since abandoned) Bill of Rights Bill for freedom of expression cases and reporting financial remedy proceedings in the family courts. He regularly lectures on media law topics, for example on the protections available for whistle-blowers at the International Forum on Quality & Safety in Healthcare in Copenhagen in May 2023.

Godwin has also contributed to many television and radio broadcasts and newspaper articles on media law topics. These include BBC Radio 4’s Law in Action, (in July 2023) the Today programme, BBC Radio 5 Live and The Guardian speaking about the Huw Edwards case, (in November 2023) on Today again talking about the implications of Nicklin J’s judgment in Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, OBE v Associated Newspapers Ltd, and (in December 2023) in the i newspaper talking about an alleged ‘race row’ involving members of the Royal Family (here and here) and, separately, on the BBC News Channel, BBC Breakfast and CNN International discussing the implications of Fancourt J’s judgment in The Duke of Sussex v MGN Ltd. In March 2024 he was a panellist on a new BBC Radio 4 philosophical discussion programme called Ps and Qs speaking on the subject of privacy.

Godwin was a panel member of the Bar Disciplinary Tribunal between 2013 and 2021. He was a member of the Law Commission’s working group on contempt of court. He is also an accredited mediator. In 2012 he was a visiting honorary Senior Fellow in Law at the University of Melbourne, Australia. In 2023 he was instructed as an expert witness on English defamation law in libel proceedings pending before the High Court of Ireland (Delany v Maybourne Hotels Ltd).

Reported and other significant cases:

Vince v Associated Newspapers Ltd [2024] EWHC 1806 (KB) (libel; innuendo case based on headline and captions to photographs; striking out)

Harcombe v Associated Newspapers Ltd [2024] EWHC 1523 (KB) (libel; preliminary trial; determination of Ds’ s.4 public interest defence; reporting privilege under s.15, Defamation Act 1996 and s.6(5), Defamation Act 2013; application of Curistan; meaning; fact or opinion; whether defendant holds opinion for purposes of s.3(5), Defamation Act 2013)

George v Cannell [2024] UKSC 19; [2024] 3 WLR 153 (malicious falsehood; construction and application of s.3, Defamation Act 1952; recoverability of damages for injury to feelings)

Stoute v News Group Newspapers Ltd [2023] EWHC 232 (KB) (privacy; interim injunction; applying where interim injunction refused ex parte; reasonable expectation of privacy in public places)

Riley v Murray [2022] EWCA Civ 1146; [2023] EMLR 3 (libel; construction and application of ss.2, 3 and 4, Defamation Act 2013 in the social media context)

George v Cannell [2022] EWCA Civ 1067; [2023] QB 117; [2022] EMLR 22 (malicious falsehood; construction of s.3, Defamation Act 1952; what is necessary for a claimant to prove in a s.3 claim in terms of damage; recoverability of damages for injury to feelings)

Al Maktoum v Al Hussein [2022] EWFC 16; [2022] 2 FCR 357 (family proceedings; reporting welfare judgment)

Harcombe v Associated Newspapers Ltd [2022] EWHC 543 (QB) (libel; case management; split trial; application of Curistan v Times Newspapers Ltd)

Al M (Al Maktoum v Al Hussein) [2021] EWCA Civ 1216; [2022] 2 FLR 206 (family proceedings; fact-finding; fairness)

Abramovich v HarperCollins Publishers Ltd [2021] EWHC 3154 (QB) (libel; preliminary ruling on meaning in relation to ‘Putin’s People’ book)

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd [2021] EWHC 2636 (QB); [2022] EMLR 9 (libel; costs; compatibility of CPR 36.17 with art.10 ECHR)

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd [2021] EWHC 1797 (QB); [2022] EMLR 2 (libel; determination at trial of D’s s.4 public interest defence; damages)

Al M (Al Maktoum v Al Hussein) [2021] EWCA Civ 900 (family proceedings; fact-finding; fairness; permission to appeal)

Al M (Al Maktoum v Al Hussein) [2021] EWHC 1577 (Fam); [2022] 2 FLR 123 (family proceedings; children; child arrangements orders under s.8, Children Act 1989; reporting)

Al M (Al Maktoum v Al Hussein) [2021] EWCA Civ 890 (family proceedings; immunities; permission to appeal; reporting)

Al M (Al Maktoum v Al Hussein) [2021] EWHC 1162 (Fam); [2022] 2 FLR 136 (family proceedings; fact-finding; alleged phone hacking; reporting)

Al M (Al Maktoum v Al Hussein) [2021] EWHC 660 (Fam) (family proceedings; immunities; immunity of prime minister from suit under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984; reporting)

Al M (Al Maktoum v Al Hussein) [2021] EWCA Civ 129 (family proceedings; applicability of foreign act of state doctrine; reporting)

Al M (Al Maktoum v Al Hussein) [2021] EWHC 303 (Fam) (family proceedings; legal services order; reporting)

Al M (Al Maktoum v Al Hussein) [2020] EWHC 3305 (Fam); [2022] 2 FLR 179 (family proceedings; non-molestation injunction; reporting)

Al M (Al Maktoum v Al Hussein) [2020] EWHC 2883 (Fam) (family proceedings; applicability of foreign act of state doctrine; reporting)

Al M (Al Maktoum v Al Hussein) [2020] EWCA Civ 283; [2020] EMLR 15; [2020] 2 FLR 493; [2020] 2 FCR 530 (family proceedings; children; publication of judgments in, and reporting of, family proceedings; role of paramountcy principle)

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd [2019] UKSC 27; [2020] AC 612; [2019] EMLR 22 (libel; ‘serious harm’ requirement under s.1, Defamation Act 2013)

The Hut.com Ltd v Trinity Mirror Plc [2018] EWHC 2480 (QB) (libel; corporate claimants; amendment)

Sir Cliff Richard, OBE v BBC / South Yorkshire Police [2018] EWHC 2115 (Ch) (privacy; decision on permission to appeal)

Sir Cliff Richard, OBE v BBC / South Yorkshire Police [2018] EWHC 2504 (Ch) (Part 36 offers; disclosure)

Sir Cliff Richard, OBE v BBC / South Yorkshire Police [2018] EWHC 1837 (Ch); [2019] Ch 169; [2018] EMLR 26 (privacy; decision on liability, general / aggravated damages and Part 20 claims)

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd [2017] EWCA Civ 1334; [2018] QB 594; [2018] EMLR 1 (libel; ‘serious harm’ requirement under s.1(1), Defamation Act 2013; Jameel abuse of process)

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd [2017] EWCA Civ 1327; [2018] EMLR 2 (libel; injunction to restrain use of legally privileged documents)

Sir Cliff Richard, OBE v BBC / South Yorkshire Police [2017] EWHC 1666 (Ch) (costs budgets; judicial comments on budgets)

Sir Cliff Richard, OBE v BBC / South Yorkshire Police [2017] EWHC 1648 (Ch); [2017] EMLR 25 (correct approach to objections to reading of statement in open court by non-settling co-defendant)

Sir Cliff Richard, OBE v BBC / South Yorkshire Police [2017] EWHC 1291 (Ch); [2017] EMLR 22 (privacy; application for information about BBC’s source)

Lachaux v Lachaux [2017] EWHC 385 (Fam); [2017] 4 WLR 57 (recognition of foreign divorce)

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd [2015] EWHC 3677 (QB) (libel; injunction to restrain use of legally privileged documents)

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd [2015] EWHC 2242 (QB); [2016] QB 402; [2015] EMLR 28 (libel; ‘serious harm’ requirement under s.1(1), Defamation Act 2013; Jameel abuse of process)

Business Energy Solutions Ltd v Scrivener [2015] EWHC 2948 (QB) (libel; ‘serious financial loss’ requirement under s.1(2), Defamation Act 2013)

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd [2015] EWHC 1847 (QB) (libel; extension of time to serve particulars of claim; striking out)

QRS v Beach [2015] EWHC 1489 (QB) (contempt of court; online harassment)

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd [2015] EWHC 915 (QB) (libel; case management; procedural issues arising from s.1, Defamation Act 2013)

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd [2015] EWHC 620 (QB) (libel; determination of meaning)

QRS v Beach [2014] EWHC 4189; [2015] 1 WLR 2701 (online harassment; application to set aside judgment in default where final injunction granted)

QRS v Beach [2014] EWHC 3057 (QB) (online harassment; interim injunction)

Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company v Al Refai [2014] EWCA Civ 749 (conspiracy; libel; case management; split trials)

Johnston v League Publications Ltd [2014] EWHC 874 (QB) (libel; determination of meaning)

Euromoney Institutional Investor plc v Aviation News Ltd [2013] EWHC 1505 (QB) (libel; malicious falsehood; striking out)

Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company v Al Refai [2013] EWHC 1630 (Comm) (libel; conspiracy; joint tortfeasorship)

Tamiz v Google Inc [2013] EWCA Civ 68; [2013] 1 WLR 2151; [2013] EMLR 14 (libel; leading case on internet service provider liability)

Cammish v Hughes [2012] EWCA Civ 1655; [2013] EMLR 13 (libel; Jameel abuse of process)

Gold v Cox [2012] EWHC 272 (QB); [2012] EWHC 367 (QB) (privacy; interim & final injunction)

Zinda v Ark Academies [2011] EWHC 3394 (QB) (libel; striking out)

STU v UVW [2011] EWHC 3133 (QB) (privacy; interim injunction)

Ambrosiadou v Coward [2010] EWCA Civ 1456 (privacy; interim injunction)

Lonzim Plc v Sprague [2009] EWHC 2838 (QB) (libel & slander; Jameel abuse of process)

Imerman v Tchenguiz [2009] EWHC 2024 (QB); [2010] 1 FCR 14 (breach of confidence; summary judgment)

Clarke v Bain [2008] EWHC 2636 (QB) (libel; damages)

Murray (JK Rowling) v Express Newspapers [2008] EWCA Civ 446; [2009] Ch 481 (privacy; data protection; striking out)

Adelson v Associated Newspapers Ltd [2008] EWHC 278 (QB); [2009] EMLR 10 (libel; open offers to settle; summary judgment)

Adelson v Associated Newspapers Ltd [2007] EWCA Civ 701; [2008] 1 WLR 585 (libel; adding / substituting claimants out of time; corporate claimants)

Re Ward; BBC v CAFCASS Legal [2007] EWHC 616 (Fam); [2007] 2 FLR 765 (family proceedings; reporting restrictions)

Musa King v Telegraph Group Ltd [2004] EWCA Civ 613; [2005] 1 WLR 2282 (libel; costs)

Maxine Carr v News Group Newspapers Ltd (14 May 2004) (contra mundum reporting restrictions in relation to convicted murderer)

Medway Council v BBC [2002] 1 FLR 104 (family proceedings; injunction)

Jockey Club v Buffham [2002] EWHC 1866 (QB); [2003] QB 462 (contempt of court; breach of confidence; Spycatcher principle)

Carlton Communications plc v News Group Newspapers Ltd [2001] EWCA Civ 1644; [2002] EMLR 299 (libel; meaning)

Carden v Jockey Club / Southwell Racecourse (July 2000) (successful defence of negligence claim brought by injured jockey at a five-week trial)

Nicholls v BBC [1999] EMLR 791 (CA) (confidentiality; jigsaw identification; risk of death or serious injury)

Neil Hamilton v Mohammed Al Fayed (December 1999, libel trial)

Gaddafi v Telegraph Group Ltd [1998] EWCA Civ 1626; [2000] EMLR 431 (libel; qualified privilege for the media)

Re G (Celebrities: Publicity) [1999] 1 FLR 409 (CA) (family proceedings; reporting restrictions)

Called

1994 Called to the Bar of England and Wales

Education

Jesus College, Cambridge (BA, MPhil); Foundation Exhibitioner
City University, London, (Diploma in Law - Commendation) - 1992-1993
Lincoln's Inn; Mansfield and Hardwicke Scholar - 1992-1994
Inns of Court School of Law, London; BACFI Prize for Best Performance in Company & Commercial Law - 1993-1994
Pegasus Scholar to USA - 1999
Visiting (Honorary) Senior Fellow in Law, University of Melbourne - 2012

Qualifications

Accredited Mediator (ADR Group) - 2008

Areas of work

Defamation and Malicious Falsehood
Privacy and Confidence
Harassment
Data Protection and Information Law
Reporting the Courts and Contempt
Injunctive Relief
Pre-publication Advice

Testimonials

Defamation Junior of the Year in the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2019; shortlisted for the same award in 2018. Shortlisted as Media, Privacy and Information Law Junior of the Year in the Chambers UK Bar Awards in 2022.

Recommended consistently as a Leading Junior in Defamation and Privacy by Chambers and Partners and Legal 500.

“He is really strategic. He is creative, user-friendly and has incredible legal instincts.”; “Godwin is absolutely amazing. His delivery of advice is really commercial and client-focused.”; “He is more than just technically brilliant. He quickly gets to grips with arcane points and technicalities of the law as well as explaining his thought process clearly and concisely.” Chambers and Partners 2024 (Band 1)

“Godwin is absolutely meticulous. He is possibly the most thorough barrister solicitors know. He is a tough, uncompromising advocate.” Legal 500 2024

“Top defamation counsel, offering a raft of expertise in privacy, conspiracy, data protection, online harassment and libel. He acts for both claimants and defendants and has co-authored much of the leading commentary on the practice area, and has appeared in some of the leading defamation and privacy cases of recent years.
Strengths: ‘Extremely intelligent and a very good technician.’ ‘He is encyclopaedic on the law.’ ‘Very strong academically and produces exceptional drafting.'” Chambers and Partners 2021 (Band 1)

“‘Meticulous in his work and his command of the law, and a great draftsman.’ ‘Very user-friendly and pleasant.’ Recent work: Acted for Sir Cliff Richard in his highly publicised privacy action against the BBC after it broadcast a police raid on his home. The High Court awarded damages to Sir Cliff and ordered the BBC to pay his substantial legal costs.” Chambers and Partners 2020

Languages

French; some Italian

All cases

Defamation and Malicious Falsehood

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd

[2021] EWHC 1797 (QB) 12/07/2021

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd

[2019] UKSC 27 13/06/2019

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd (Privilege)

[2017] EWCA Civ 1327 12/09/2017

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd (Serious harm)

[2017] EWCA Civ 1334 12/09/2017

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd, Evening Standard Ltd, AOL (UK) Ltd

[2015] EWHC 2242 (QB) 30/07/2015

Lachaux v AOL UK

[2015] EWHC 915 (QB) 01/04/2015

Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd

[2015] EWHC 620 (QB) 11/03/2015

Johnston v League Publications Ltd

[2014] EWHC 874 (QB) 26/03/2014

Euromoney Institutional Investor Plc v Aviation News Ltd

[2013] EWHC 1505 (QB) 12/06/2013

Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Co v Al Refai

[2013] EWHC 1630 (Comm) 12/06/2013

Tamiz v Google Inc

[2013] EWCA Civ 68 14/02/2013

Cammish v Hughes (CA)

[2012] EWCA Civ 1655 12/12/2012

Cammish v Hughes

[2012] EWHC 976 (QB) 20/04/2012

Zinda v ARK Academies

[2011] EWHC 3394 (QB) 16/12/2011

Lonzim Plc & others v Sprague

[2009] EWHC 2838 (QB) 11/11/2009

Clarke t/a Elumina Iberica UK v Bain & Prolink Holdings Corp

[2008] EWHC 2636 (QB) 19/11/2008

Adelson v Associated Newspapers Ltd (No 3)

[2008] EWHC 278 (QB); [2009] EMLR 10 19/02/2008

Adelson v Associated Newspapers Ltd (No. 2)

[2007] EWHC 3028 (QB) 19/12/2007

Adelson v Associated Newspapers Ltd (CA)

[2007] EWCA Civ 701; [2008] 1 WLR 585; [2007] 4 All ER 330; [2008] EMLR 324; The Times, 18 July 2007 09/07/2007

Adelson v Associated Newspapers Ltd

[2007] EWHC 997 (QB); The Times, 10 May 2007 01/05/2007

Musa King v Telegraph Group Ltd (CA)

[2004] EWCA Civ 613; [2005] 1 WLR 2282; [2004] EMLR 429 18/05/2004

Bataille v Newland & Ors

[2002] EWHC 1692 (QB) 31/07/2002

Mills v MGN Ltd

[2002] EWHC 1384 (QB) 05/07/2002

Mark v Associated Newspapers Limited

[2002] EWCA Civ 772; [2002] EMLR 839 30/05/2002

Cook & Carlton Communications Ltd v News Group Newspapers Ltd (No.2)

[2002] EWHC 1070 (QB) 21/05/2002

Gaddafi v Telegraph Group Ltd (No.3)

12/03/2002 12/03/2002

Cook & Carlton Communications plc v News Group Newspapers Ltd

[2001] EWCA Civ 1644; [2002] EMLR 299 08/11/2001

Branson v Bower

[2001] EWCA Civ 791; [2001] EMLR 800 24/05/2001

Gaddafi v Telegraph Group Ltd

[1998] EWCA Civ 1626; [2000] EMLR 431 28/10/1999

Privacy and Confidence

Sir Cliff Richard OBE v (1) The British Broadcasting Corporation (2) Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police

[2017] EWHC 1291 (Ch) 26/05/2017

Gold v Cox (No.2)

[2012] EWHC 367 (QB) 24/02/2012

Gold v Cox (No.1)

[2012] EWHC 272 (QB) 17/02/2012

STU v UVW

[2011] EWHC 3133 (QB) 30/11/2011

Hirschfeld v McGrath

[2011] EWHC 249 (QB) 15/02/2011

Murray v Big Pictures (UK) Ltd (CA)

[2008] EWCA Civ 446; [2008] 3 WLR 1360; [2008] EMLR 399; [2008] EHRR 736; [2008] 2 FLR 599; [2008] HRLR 33; [2008] UKHRR 736; The Times, 12 May 2008 07/05/2008

Murray v Express Newspapers plc & Another

[2007] EWHC 1908 (Ch); [2007] EMLR 583; [2007] 3 FCR 331; [2007] HRLR 44; [2007] UKHRR 1322; [2007] Fam Law 1073; (2007) 157 NLJ 1199; (2008) 1 FLR 704; The Times, 4 October 2007 07/08/2007

Re Ward; BBC v CAFCASS Legal & Ors

[2007] EWHC 616 (Fam); [2007] 2 FLR 765; [2007] Fam Law 704 30/03/2007

Carr v News Group Newspapers Ltd & Others

14/05/2004 14/05/2004

Covance Laboratories v J

20 & 27 March 2003 27/03/2003

Jockey Club v Buffham

[2002] EWHC 1866 (QB); [2003] QB 462; [2003] 2 WLR 178; [2003] EMLR 111 12/09/2002

Medway Council v BBC

[2002] 1 FLR 104; [2001] All ER (D) 243 (Oct) 11/09/2001

Nicholls v BBC

[1999] EMLR 791 29/03/1999

Re G (Celebrities: Publicity)

[1999] 1 FLR 409 23/10/1998

Harassment

QRS v Beach (No. 3)

[2014] EWHC 4189 (QB) 11/12/2014

QRS v Beach

[2014] EWHC 3057 (QB) 26/09/2014

QRS v Beach (No. 2)

[2014] EWHC 3319 (QB) 16/09/2014

Gold v Cox (No.2)

[2012] EWHC 367 (QB) 24/02/2012

Gold v Cox (No.1)

[2012] EWHC 272 (QB) 17/02/2012

STU v UVW

[2011] EWHC 3133 (QB) 30/11/2011

Reporting the Courts and Contempt

Hirschfeld v McGrath

[2011] EWHC 249 (QB) 15/02/2011

Re Ward; BBC v CAFCASS Legal & Ors

[2007] EWHC 616 (Fam); [2007] 2 FLR 765; [2007] Fam Law 704 30/03/2007

Medway Council v BBC

[2002] 1 FLR 104; [2001] All ER (D) 243 (Oct) 11/09/2001

Re G (Celebrities: Publicity)

[1999] 1 FLR 409 23/10/1998

Injunctive Relief

QRS v Beach (No. 3)

[2014] EWHC 4189 (QB) 11/12/2014

QRS v Beach

[2014] EWHC 3057 (QB) 26/09/2014

QRS v Beach (No. 2)

[2014] EWHC 3319 (QB) 16/09/2014

Gold v Cox (No.2)

[2012] EWHC 367 (QB) 24/02/2012

Gold v Cox (No.1)

[2012] EWHC 272 (QB) 17/02/2012

STU v UVW

[2011] EWHC 3133 (QB) 30/11/2011

Hirschfeld v McGrath

[2011] EWHC 249 (QB) 15/02/2011

Lonzim Plc & others v Sprague

[2009] EWHC 2838 (QB) 11/11/2009

Re Ward; BBC v CAFCASS Legal & Ors

[2007] EWHC 616 (Fam); [2007] 2 FLR 765; [2007] Fam Law 704 30/03/2007

Carr v News Group Newspapers Ltd & Others

14/05/2004 14/05/2004

Covance Laboratories v J

20 & 27 March 2003 27/03/2003

Jockey Club v Buffham

[2002] EWHC 1866 (QB); [2003] QB 462; [2003] 2 WLR 178; [2003] EMLR 111 12/09/2002

Medway Council v BBC

[2002] 1 FLR 104; [2001] All ER (D) 243 (Oct) 11/09/2001

Nicholls v BBC

[1999] EMLR 791 29/03/1999

Re G (Celebrities: Publicity)

[1999] 1 FLR 409 23/10/1998

Data Protection and Information Law

Sir Cliff Richard OBE v (1) The British Broadcasting Corporation (2) Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police

[2017] EWHC 1291 (Ch) 26/05/2017

Murray v Big Pictures (UK) Ltd (CA)

[2008] EWCA Civ 446; [2008] 3 WLR 1360; [2008] EMLR 399; [2008] EHRR 736; [2008] 2 FLR 599; [2008] HRLR 33; [2008] UKHRR 736; The Times, 12 May 2008 07/05/2008

Murray v Express Newspapers plc & Another

[2007] EWHC 1908 (Ch); [2007] EMLR 583; [2007] 3 FCR 331; [2007] HRLR 44; [2007] UKHRR 1322; [2007] Fam Law 1073; (2007) 157 NLJ 1199; (2008) 1 FLR 704; The Times, 4 October 2007 07/08/2007

General Common Law

Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Co v Al Refai

[2013] EWHC 1630 (Comm) 12/06/2013

Carden v The Jockey Club

03/07/2000 03/07/2000

Articles

Privacy, the Internet and Social Media - Abridged Extract

By Godwin Busuttil. 22 Jan 2016

Interim Injunctions and the Overlap between Privacy and Libel

By Godwin Busuttil. 14 Jul 2010

Preventing Publication of Private Information

By Godwin Busuttil. 2 Dec 2009

Reportage: A Not Entirely Neutral Report

By Godwin Busuttil. 3 Feb 2009

Disclosure of journalists sources revisited

By Godwin Busuttil. 1 Jul 2003

Prior restraint of media publications

By Godwin Busuttil. 1 May 2003

Criminal contempt – third party liability

By Godwin Busuttil. 28 Mar 2003

Damages for press republication of slander

By Godwin Busuttil. 28 Nov 2002

Disclosure of journalists’ sources

By Godwin Busuttil. 28 Oct 2002

Court’s power to overturn awards of damages

By Godwin Busuttil. 28 Apr 2002

Series of newspaper articles can constitute harassment

By Godwin Busuttil. 28 Oct 2001

Criminal contempt – third party liability

By Godwin Busuttil. 28 Jun 2001

Law of confidence extended to protect right to life

By Godwin Busuttil. 28 May 2001

Court recognises right of privacy

By Godwin Busuttil. 28 Apr 2001

Publications

Gatley on Libel and Slander 13th edition

Thomson Reuters (Sweet & Maxwell)
By Godwin Busuttil. 20 Jul 2022

The Law of Privacy and the Media 3rd Edition

OUP
By Godwin Busuttil. 22 Jan 2016

Gatley on Libel & Slander, 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th editions

Sweet & Maxwell
By Godwin Busuttil. 31 Dec 2013

The Law of Privacy and the Media

Oxford University Press
By Godwin Busuttil. 17 Oct 2002

In 5RB News

12 Jun 2024

Supreme Court allows appeal in part in George v Cannell

11 Dec 2023

5RB hosts Media Law Insight Evening for BVL students

5RB is a proud sponsor of BVL, a charity offering free legal educational and work experience opportunities to students aged between 16-18 who attend non-fee paying schools.

20 Oct 2023

5RB tops rankings in Chambers & Partners

16 Oct 2023

George v Cannell in the Supreme Court

Appeal will examine law of malicious falsehood

5 Oct 2023

5RB named Tier 1 set in Defamation and privacy by The Legal 500

3 Jul 2023

‘Statin deniers’ libel trial begins today

Nicklin J will try the first tranche of issues in the case of Harcombe & Kendrick v Associated Newspapers Ltd

18 Nov 2022

5RB success at the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2022

7 Oct 2022

5RB named top set by The Legal 500

Directory rankings also released

11 Aug 2022

Rachel Riley decision upheld

Laura Murray's appeal dismissed

20 Jul 2022

Appeal in Riley v Murray

29 May 2022

New Gatley published

Gatley 13th edition now available

1 Jul 2021

Judgment in Lachaux

10 Mar 2020

5RB plays major role in Al Maktoum v Al Hussein

CA upholds President's decision to allow publication of earlier judgments

1 Nov 2019

5RB sweeps the board at Bar Awards

Winning Three Defamation Awards

12 Jun 2019

Supreme Court hands down judgment in Lachaux

The newspapers’ appeals are dismissed and section 1 is further clarified

18 Jul 2018

Sir Cliff Richard wins privacy claim against BBC

Judge awards singer £210,000 damages for misuse of private information

26 Apr 2018

Evidence concludes in Cliff Richard trial

Closing submissions in privacy and DPA claim against the BBC and South Yorkshire Police to commence on Tuesday 8th May

11 Apr 2018

Sir Cliff Richard v BBC trial to begin

Trial of claims in misuse of private information and under the DPA starts Thursday 12th April

23 Mar 2018

Supreme Court grants PTA in Lachaux

Serious Harm test to be considered again

11 Jan 2018

New defamation textbook publications

Gatley 2nd Supplement and 22nd Edition of Clerk & Lindsell on Torts

2 Nov 2017

“The pre-eminent set”: Chambers UK

5RB and members recommended for Defamation & Privacy and Data Protection in 2018 Chambers UK Bar Guide

11 Oct 2017

5RB ‘dominates the field’ in Legal 500

Chambers and members recommended for Defamation & Privacy, Data Protection, and Media and Entertainment work in legal directory

28 May 2017

Sir Cliff obtains order requiring BBC to say if source was Yewtree

Also settles with South Yorkshire Police

29 Nov 2016

Lachaux appeal hearing begins

Court of Appeal to consider section 1 Defamation Act 2013

17 Jan 2016

New Supplement to Gatley published

The First Supplement to the 12th edition of Gatley on Libel and Slander has been published by Sweet & Maxwell

30 Jul 2015

Lachaux: Judgment on serious harm

Articles caused serious harm in four of the five claims

13 Mar 2015

5RB at the Big Voice London Moots

Godwin Busuttil and Felicity McMahon act as judges

31 Oct 2014

5RB tops Chambers & Partners 2015

Set and 19 barristers recommended in UK Bar Guide

15 May 2014

Line-dancing teacher receives apology from rival over libellous claims

Well-known line-dancing teacher Val Myers gets apology and costs from competitor Sandra Ong

7 Jan 2014

New edition of Gatley on Libel and Slander out now

12th Ed published in December 2013

13 Dec 2013

Law Commission recommends contempt exemption for online archives

Report on contempt deals with jurors and modern media

13 Feb 2013

Google can be liable as publisher

Court of Appeal clarifies law for ISPs but dismisses claim

24 Feb 2012

Nanny and cleaner book on Jaqueline Gold restrained

Ex employees agree to withhold publication

28 Oct 2011

5RB tops Chambers and Partners 2012

Adam Wolanski wins Defamation and Privacy Junior Barrister of the Year

27 Sep 2011

‘Truly experts’

The Legal 500 review 2012

30 Nov 2010

New Supplement to Gatley published

The First Supplement to the 11th edition of Gatley on Libel and Slander has been published by Sweet & Maxwell

5 Nov 2010

5RB tops directory ranking

Chambers & Partners 2011 edition praises set

22 Jul 2010

Pitt & Jolie win ‘false privacy’ case

News of the World agrees to apologise and pay damages

24 Sep 2009

5RB’s juniors: the Legal 500 verdict

What the legal directory had to say about 5RB's junior barristers

3 Jun 2009

EMLRs move to 5RB

Entertainment and Media Law Reports have new Editors

21 Nov 2008

New edition of Gatley out soon

11th edition of leading practitioner's text on libel and slander on sale in December

28 Oct 2008

Lords refuse leave in Murray

Pushchair privacy claim brought by J.K. Rowling's son to proceed to trial

7 May 2008

Pushchair privacy appeal succeeds

CA reinstates photograph claim and says it must proceed to trial

19 Mar 2008

Adelson accepts apology, damages

Associated Newspapers apologises to US entrepreneur and settles libel claim

10 Mar 2008

Pushchair privacy case goes to appeal

J.K. Rowling's son seeks to overturn High Court judgment on photograph

27 Nov 2007

Gatley Supplement now on sale

Leading defamation practitioners' text now fully updated

8 Nov 2007

5RB tops Chambers & Partners review

20 Barristers rated and recommended in the new annual survey

20 Sep 2007

5RB tops Legal 500

20 Barristers rated and recommended in Defamation, Privacy, Intellectual Property, Sport and Media & Entertainment Law

22 Jun 2007

J. K. Rowling’s son in privacy fight

Photo agency seeks dismissal of claim in relation to pictures of author's child

24 Oct 2006

5RB tops Chambers & Partners review

Nineteen barristers recommended in Annual Survey

27 Sep 2006

5RB tops Legal 500 survey

Twenty barristers recommended across core practice areas

20 Dec 2005

Trainer fined for destroying horse

Jockey Club finds Williams acted contrary to owner’s instructions

24 Nov 2005

New media law titles available

New edition of Arlidge, Eady & Smith on Contempt; new Supplements to Gatley and The Law of Privacy & The Media

24 Oct 2005

Chambers’ Review: 5RB top again

20 barristers recommended for Media, Entertainment, Defamation, Privacy, Intellectual Property & Sports Law

21 Sep 2005

5RB tops annual Legal 500 Review

17 barristers named as leaders in their field

24 Mar 2005

Ramsden fined for doping rule breaches

Trainer fined after prohibited substance finding

15 Mar 2005

Jockey banned for drugs protocol breach

Jockey Club suspends Brett Doyle for 3 months for failing to provide sample

5 Nov 2004

5RB top in Chambers & Partners Review

Seventeen 5RB members ranked

21 Oct 2004

Global acclaim for Gatley

10th edition is 'the definitive work'

24 Sep 2004

5RB top in Legal 500 Review

15 barristers named as leaders in their field

18 May 2004

Court of Appeal gives no-win no-fee guidance

Cost-capping sanctioned in CFA cases

14 May 2004

Maxine Carr Identity Injunction Upheld

Protection necessary after death threats

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