William specialises in actions concerning defamation, privacy, breach of confidence, harassment and data protection. He is ranked as a leading silk in defamation and privacy by both Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 and was named as a Barrister of the Week by The Lawyer for his work for the Duke of Sussex in his successful claim for libel against the Mail on Sunday and the MailOnline.
Since 2021, his work has included acting for the successful parties in the Court of Appeal in Rachel Riley v Laura Murray, Richard Millett v Jeremy Corbyn and Fiona George v Lynn Cannell and in the trials Rachel Riley v Laura Murray, Fiona George v Lynn Cannell and John Ware v Paddy French (clients’ names underlined).
In October 2023 William appeared on behalf of Fiona George in the Supreme Court (whose judgment is currently reserved).
Many of the claims William advises on have resulted in successful settlements for his clients, including for Dinah Rose KC (the President of Magdalen College, Oxford), whose claim against The Times concluded with the payment of damages and the making of a statement in open court by which The Times apologised for defaming her (Guardian report: The Times pays damages to lawyer over misleading article).
A major element of William’s privacy practice is comprised of claims against Channel 5 for the misuse of private information arising from the filming for and the broadcast of the reality programme Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away! Following the claimants’ success at trial in Ali & Aslam v Channel 5 arising from such misuses (and the upholding of the judgment in their favour by the Court of Appeal), he has acted in over 35 claims in which settlements have been achieved for claimants whose private information has been misused by the programme.
NOTABLE CASES
DEFAMATION AND MALICIOUS FALSEHOOD
- Rachel Riley v Laura Murray Acted for television presenter Rachel Riley in a defamation claim arising from a tweet published by Laura Murray which accused Ms Riley of publicly stating that Jeremy Corbyn deserved to be violently attacked. At trial defences of truth, honest opinion and public interest failed and Ms Riley was awarded £10,000 in damages. The decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal.
- John Ware v Paddy French Acted for the journalist John Ware concerning defamatory allegations about his involvement in producing an edition of the BBC programme Panorama called Is Labour Anti-Semitic? Mr Ware was accused of being a rogue journalist who had engaged in dirty tricks against the Labour Party and of presenting a knowingly false account of the extent and nature of antisemitism within the Party. Following trial, Mr Ware was awarded £90,000 in damages.
- Fiona George v Lynn Cannell & LCA Acted for Fiona George in her claim for malicious falsehood against her former employer. At trial the malice and falsehood components of the tort were proven but the claim failed because the claimant did not satisfy s.3 of the Defamation Act 1952 by which, absent special damage, it will suffice as an element of the tort if a claimant proves likelihood of pecuniary damage as a result of the publication of the words complained of. This finding turned on the trial judge’s interpretation of s.3. On Ms George’s appeal, the Court of Appeal overturned the trial judge’s finding on liability on the ground that his interpretation of s.3 had been wrong. The defendants then appealed that decision to the Supreme Court. The judgment following the ensuing two day hearing in the Supreme Court is reserved.
- Martin Lewis v Facebook Acted for Martin Lewis, the Money Saving Expert, in ground-breaking claim against Facebook for the publication of adverts showing fake endorsements supposedly given by Mr Lewis, usually for bitcoin investment schemes. A record-breaking settlement was achieved by which Facebook agreed to donate £3m to Citizens Advice to set up a new UK Anti Scams Action Project.
Sky News: Martin Lewis settles lawsuit against Facebook over scam ads “this case may set an uncomfortable practical precedent for Facebook. By agreeing to take, as it puts it, “a leadership role”, the social network has accepted some measure of responsibility for the content its users see. To see how that could make life difficult for Facebook, it’s worth considering a fact that went unmentioned in the cosy press conference held to announce the news. As well as donating £3m to Citizens Advice, Facebook settled with Martin Lewis for what he says is “a six-figure sum” covering his costs, making it, in his eyes, “a definite win”.
- Jack Monroe v Katie Hopkins Acted for Jack Monroe. Following trial, Katie Hopkins was ordered to pay damages for defamatory tweets. This was the first time that the requirement for a claimant to prove serious harm to reputation (further to s.1 Defamation Act 2013) was considered in respect of libels published on Twitter.
- FlyMeNow v Quick Air Charter Acted for the Defendant. At trial the words complained of were found to be partially true and, due to other mitigating factors, the Claimant was only awarded derisory damages of £10 and ordered to pay nearly all of the Defendant’s costs.
- Gary Flood v Times Newspapers Junior Counsel for the Claimant, Gary Flood. The leading case on the public interest defence under the Defamation Act 2013. It is probably the most complex and long-running case in the history of libel litigation. In addition to separate trials on liability and quantum, two Court of Appeal and two Supreme Court appeals, there were nine other hearings. The relevant article was first published in June 2006 and the claim did not conclude until the Supreme Court handed down its second judgment in the case in April 2017.
Appointed as amicus curiae by the Privy Council for the purpose of an appeal in Pinard-Byrne v Linton, an appeal from the Court of Appeal of Dominica concerning a Reynolds/public interest defence.
PRIVACY & BREACH OF CONFIDENCE
- Ali & Aslam v Channel 5 Ground-breaking claim for misuse of private information arising out of the broadcast of an episode of Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away! which showed the Claimants being evicted from their home. Following a trial, the Claimants were awarded damages.
- Gareth Bull v Donna Desporte Acted at trial for the Claimant, a winner of the Euromillions lottery, in order to prevent the publication of private information contained in his former lover’s memoir. Injunction granted and damages awarded.
- Paul Burrell v Max Clifford Acted for Paul Burrell. Successful trial outcome: damages awarded for a misuse of private information whereby Max Clifford had forwarded a letter written in confidence to him by Mr Burrell to Rebekah Brookes, who was at the time the Editor of the News of the World.
- AVB v TDD Trial counsel for the Claimant in a claim for misuse of private information, breach of confidence and harassment. Injunction granted at the conclusion of the trial re misuse of private information and breach of confidence.
MEDIATION
CEDR accredited mediator.
DIRECTORIES
William has been described in the following ways in the client comments published by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners:
‘Calm and polite for solicitors to deal with but very clear and ordered as an advocate. Brilliant at cross-examining witnesses because of his non-aggressive approach.’
“Impressive advocate with an extremely high success rate.”
“Very approachable and down to earth, and has lots of trial experience.”
“He’s extremely good: very straightforward and excellent value for money.”
“He’s tenacious, practical and always works hard to achieve a positive result. He’s very well regarded for his advice and the outcomes he achieves are first-rate.”
‘A brilliant cross-examiner and trial advocate.’
“He is an excellent advocate who has conducted a number of trials. He’s a pleasure to work with.”
Called
1994 Called to the Bar of England and Wales
2019 Silk
Education
Common Professional Examination (College of Law) - 1992-1993
Bar Vocational Course (Inns of Court School of Law) - 1993-94
Areas of work
Reporting the Courts and Contempt
Data Protection and Information Law
Defamation and Malicious Falsehood
Injunctive Relief
Privacy and Confidence
Testimonials
Consistently recommended as a leading defamation counsel in both Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500.
Chambers & Partners & Legal 500, 2008 – 2024
“Calm and polite for solicitors to deal with but very clear and ordered as an advocate. Brilliant at cross-examining witnesses because of his non-aggressive approach.”
“Specialist media junior focusing on libel, breach of confidence and privacy. He regularly appears as sole counsel and is led by eminent silks in the field. He appears for both claimants and defendants in high-profile disputes.”
“He’s tenacious, practical and always works hard to achieve a positive result. He’s very well regarded for his advice and the outcomes he achieves are first-rate.”
‘A brilliant cross-examiner and trial advocate.’
One of the leading juniors at the Bar with a very busy practice. He is an excellent advocate who has conducted a number of trials. He’s a pleasure to work with.”
“Specialist media junior focusing on libel, breach of confidence and privacy. He regularly appears as sole counsel and is led by eminent silks in the field. He appears for both claimants and defendants in high-profile disputes.”
“He’s tenacious, practical and always works hard to achieve a positive result. He’s very well regarded for his advice and the outcomes he achieves are first-rate.”
‘A brilliant cross-examiner and trial advocate.’
“One of the leading juniors at the Bar with a very busy practice. He is an excellent advocate who has conducted a number of trials. He’s a pleasure to work with.”
Regularly acts as sole counsel opposite some of London’s most experienced QCs. Clients go to him due to the measured approach he takes to heavyweight cases.
He’s diligent, thoughtful and very good in court.
He is a good advocate, who is calm and very articulate.
Demonstrates real strength in all he does. He is self-reliant, fearless and an amazing one-man band when he needs to be.
A strongly analytical barrister who is very good with clients. He is known for his efficient, results-oriented approach.
He has phenomenal ability as an advocate.
Capable of running things without hand-holding.
Bright, approachable and good with clients.
He’s diligent, thoughtful and very good in court.
Thinks outside the box.
A dynamic character.
Precise and analytical, distilling facts easily.
Dominic Crossley – Partner, Payne Hicks Beach
William’s approach to the claim was 1st class throughout. He was cheerful, unpretentious, readily available when called upon and able to respond to the actions of an unpredictable opposition. At trial his strategy and straight-forward manner ensured that the client’s case was perfectly presented. I am continuing to instruct William and hope that we can remain a successful team.
Featured cases
Flood v Times Newspapers Limited (SC)
[2012] UKSC 11 21/03/2012
Cambridge v Makin
[2012] EWCA Civ 85 09/02/2012
Purnell v Business F1 Magazine Ltd & Another
14/03/2006 14/03/2006
All cases
Defamation and Malicious Falsehood
Corbyn v Millett
[2021] EWCA Civ 567 20/04/2021
Flymenow Limited v Quick Air Jet Charter GmbH
[2016] EWHC 3197 (QB) 16/12/2016
Begg v BBC
[2016] EWHC 2688 (QB) 28/10/2016
Pinard-Byrne v Linton
[2015] UKPC 41 12/10/2015
Qadir v Associated Newspapers Ltd
[2012] EWHC 2606 (QB); [2013] EMLR 15 05/10/2012
Flood v Times Newspapers Limited (SC)
[2012] UKSC 11 21/03/2012
Wood v Chief Constable of West Midlands Police (CA)
[2004] EWCA Civ 1638; [2005] EMLR 449; The Times, 13 December 2004 08/12/2004
Privacy and Confidence
YXB v TNO
[2015] EWHC 826 (QB) 25/03/2015
Reporting the Courts and Contempt
YXB v TNO
[2015] EWHC 826 (QB) 25/03/2015
Qadir v Associated Newspapers Ltd
[2012] EWHC 2606 (QB); [2013] EMLR 15 05/10/2012
Injunctive Relief
YXB v TNO
[2015] EWHC 826 (QB) 25/03/2015
5RB Talks
5RB Talks: Cardiff
13 Mar 2015
With Christina Michalos KC, William Bennett KC & David Hirst
In 5RB News
12 Mar 2025
Observer apologises to Douglas Murray
17 Oct 2024
5RB in Chambers & Partners 2025
14 Jun 2024
Preliminary issues determined in ‘The Lost King’ film claim
12 Jun 2024
Supreme Court allows appeal in part in George v Cannell
14 May 2024
Statement in open court in Davies v BBC
29 Feb 2024
Court to determine meaning of film ‘The Lost King’
21 Nov 2023
Statement in open court in Hague v TML
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
21 Jul 2023
Strike out judgment in Davidoff v Hargrave
12 Jul 2023
5RB shortlisted in Legal 500 Bar Awards 2023
4 Jul 2023
Davidoff v Hargrave trial of preliminary issues
10 May 2023
Stoute v News Group Newspapers Ltd
30 Nov 2022
Panorama reporter wins libel claim
John Ware awarded £90,000 in damages
15 Nov 2022
Substantial damages for reality show victim
Channel 5 apologies to Ms Amel Fridhi
7 Oct 2022
5RB named top set by The Legal 500
Directory rankings also released
4 Oct 2022
Apology to John Ware
Statement in open court
11 Aug 2022
Rachel Riley decision upheld
Laura Murray's appeal dismissed
20 Jul 2022
Appeal in Riley v Murray
20 Dec 2021
Rachel Riley wins libel action against Laura Murray
TV presenter wins Twitter libel case
12 Nov 2021
Permission to appeal granted in George v Cannell & Anor
9 Nov 2021
Judgment handed down in George v Cannell & Anor
Saini J dismisses claims in libel, slander per se and malicious falsehood
20 Apr 2021
Defendant’s appeal dismissed in Millett v Corbyn
Court of Appeal dismisses Jeremy Corbyn’s appeal against decisions that publication complained of consisted of statements of fact, not opinion, and defamed the Claimant
19 Apr 2021
Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away! Statement in Open Court
Channel 5 apologises and agrees to pay substantial damages
5 Feb 2021
Barrister of the week: William Bennett QC
William Bennett profiled by The Lawyer
1 Feb 2021
Duke of Sussex libel settlement
Unilateral statement in open court
10 Dec 2020
Sir James & Lady Deirdre Dyson v Associated Newspapers
Statement in open court
10 Dec 2020
The Times pays libel damages to Barbara Hewson
The Times accepts that death threats allegation not true
20 Nov 2020
5RB Wins Defamation, Privacy & Data Protection Awards
22 Jul 2020
Statements in Open Court for Labour Party whistleblowers and John Ware
Pending claims against Labour Party by seven whistleblowers and journalist John Ware conclude
10 Jul 2020
Court determines meaning of defamatory statements in libel case against Jeremy Corbyn
The meaning of Jeremy Corbyn MP's statements about Richard Millett held to be statements of fact and to be defamatory at common law
24 Apr 2020
Court determines meaning in Rachel Riley v Laura Murray libel case
The meaning of the tweet complained of held to be statements of fact and opinion and to be defamatory at common law
31 Jan 2020
Statement in Open Court for Licensing Officer
Claim by Wajed Iqbal concludes
14 Jan 2020
Sir James & Lady Dyson v Associated Newspapers: trial of meaning
High Court to hear argument in a Trial of Preliminary Issues of the meaning of news articles
24 Oct 2019
Alison Morgan QC vindicated re her role in the prosecution of Ben Stokes
Conclusion of claims against The Times, the Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail
4 Jul 2019
QC succeeds at trial of preliminary issue
Claimant's meaning upheld, article found to defame at common law and to have a tendency to cause serious harm
1 Jul 2019
Euromillions winner succeeds in privacy claim
Defendant ordered to pay £10,000 in general and £2,500 in aggravated damages
11 Apr 2018
Permission to Appeal granted in “Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away!” case
Arnold J grants the Claimants permission to appeal on quantum
22 Feb 2018
‘Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away!’ Claimants win £20,000
Judgment handed down in privacy case
6 Feb 2018
5RB ‘stands above the competition’
Leaders and juniors praised in new edition of Who's Who Legal
11 Jan 2018
Katie Hopkins refused permission to appeal
Sharp LJ refuses PTA against decision of Warby J; also refuses permission in Guise v Shah
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
25 May 2017
“Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away!” summary judgment application dismissed
Privacy claim to proceed to trial
11 Apr 2017
Supreme Court unanimously dismisses appeals by media defendants
Recoverability of CFA success fees and ATE premiums upheld
10 Mar 2017
Jack Monroe wins libel claim against Katie Hopkins
Monroe awarded £24,000 over two tweets
19 Dec 2016
FlyMeNow awarded ‘minimal’ damages
Defences of qualified privilege and justification fail but damages reduced to £10
22 Feb 2016
Paul Burrell wins privacy claim
Max Clifford ordered to pay £5,000 in damages
7 Jan 2016
Claimant succeeds in latest serious harm trial
Email sent to 124 people found to have caused serious harm to reputation
24 Apr 2015
Mosque dispute claimants awarded £45,000 each
Fourth Defendant found to have defamed the claimants by causing publication on a website and distributing a dossier of documents
22 Apr 2015
Privy Council hears libel appeal
Board considers Reynolds defence
26 Mar 2015
Footballer refused privacy injunction
Warby J finds material non-disclosure in alleged "blackmail" claim
Contact
Email: clerks@5rb.com
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