Garcia v ANL trial begins in the High Court

Two-week libel claim being heard by Mr Justice Dingemans

The trial of the case of Garcia v Associated Newspapers Ltd began today in the High Court before Mr Justice Dingemans. The libel claim relates to an article published in the Daily Mail on 21 April 2012 about a consultation between Dr Serrano Garcia – a GP – and his former patient Mr Jones, which resulted in Dr Garcia reporting the patient to the DVLA on account of the patient’s alleged alcohol consumption. 5RB‘s Desmond Browne QC and Alexandra Marzec represent Associated Newspapers Ltd, which is raising defences of justification and honest comment. The trial is expected to run until 31st July.