Eady J gives keynote speech
The current debate over privacy rights and libel tourism has been ill-served by personal attacks on judges and exaggeration in the press, Mr Justice Eady told the audience at Tuesday’s JUSTICE-Thomson Reuters ‘Free Speech v… Read More »
Defamation actions on the increase
The number of defamation claims issued in the High Court rose by 11% during 2008 according to a review published by city law firm, Reynolds Porter Chamberlain. The analysis of the latest Judicial Statistics reveals that 259… Read More »
Peacock settles libel action
The model Matt Peacock has settled his libel case against the Sunday Mirror with the newspaper paying him damages and costs. The trial was due to take place in December. In a unilateral statement read… Read More »
Wikipedia sued by convicted killers
Two men convicted of a notorious murder in Germany are reportedly suing Wikimedia Foundation, the American organisation that runs Wikipedia, seeking to have their names removed from entries about the murder. The two men were famously convicted in 1990 of killing… Read More »
5RB tops Chambers & Partners review
5RB has once again been named as a leading set for Defamation & Privacy and Media & Entertainment Law in the annual Chambers & Partners review of the legal profession, with members of 5RB also recommended… Read More »
Ofcom dismisses arrest privacy complaint
A complaint about a BSkyB series, which pictured a man being questioned, searched and arrested by police has not been upheld. Paul Mawson complained that an edition of the programme Road Wars, which followed police officers from… Read More »
PCC publishes phone tapping report
The PCC has published a report following claims by the Guardian that journalists at the News of the World had used private investigators to listen to the voicemail messages of many high profile public figures in pursuit… Read More »
Richard Parkes QC joins the bench
The Lord Chancellor has today announced the appointment of Richard Parkes QC to the circuit bench, with effect from 17th November. Richard was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn in 1977 and joined what is… Read More »
Ronaldo accepts libel damages
Cristiano Ronaldo, the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year and former Manchester United star, today accepted substantial damages and an apology from the publishers of The Mirror in respect of an article in July 2008 alleging… Read More »
Cole settles privacy claim
England and Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole, married to X Factor judge Cheryl Cole, has settled his privacy action against The Sun and the Daily and Sunday Mirror newspapers over “kiss-and-tell” stories about alleged relationships with… Read More »
Kate Winslet wins libel apology ruling
Kate Winslet was yesterday permitted to make a statement in open court as part of an Offer of Amends settlement. She sought permission to make the unilateral statement following what she regarded as an insufficient apology by… Read More »
5RB member runs New York marathon
Victoria Shore, a member of 5RB, ran the New York Marathon today in a terrific 3 hours 32 minutes. Victoria, a seasoned distance runner, trained for several weeks for the race and has raised over £2600 for… Read More »
5RB welcomes new tenant
5RB is pleased to announce that Patrick McCafferty has joined chambers following successful completion of his pupillage. Joint head of 5RB, Adrienne Page QC, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Patrick to chambers following his successful years… Read More »
Science writer gets leave to appeal
The science writer Simon Singh today successfully overturned the earlier refusal by the Court of Appeal to grant permission to appeal in relation to a ruling on meaning and comment in the libel action brought against him by… Read More »
Wine connoisseur toasts victory
The internationally renowned wine connoisseur and former head of Christie’s wine department, Michael Broadbent, has succeeded in his claim against the publisher Random House. He sued in regard to the publication of The Billionaire’s Vinegar, which chronicled the… Read More »
Accountant wins £30,000 damages for libel and harassment
Stanley Bloom, a chartered accountant, was awarded £30,000 damages for libel and harassment by Mrs Justice Sharp today. Following a two day trial, the Judge held that seven letters written by Margaret Robinson-Millar, a neighbour… Read More »
Browne warns of the ‘database state’
The Chairman of the Bar, Desmond Browne QC, today warned of the erosion of individual privacy at the hands of the state at a fringe event at the Conservative Party Conference in manchester. Desmond Browne… Read More »
New guidelines on reporting restrictions published
Updated guidelines on the circumstances in which reporting restrictions may be imposed in criminal cases have been published by the Judicial Studies Board, in collaboration with the media. Guidance for lawyers, judges, magistrates and… Read More »
Non-parties made to bear costs
A Dutch company and entrepreneur have been ordered to pay the costs incurred by a UK company, Md7 Europe, and its Chief Executive, Michael Gianni, in defending themselves against a US$30m claim in slander, malicious falsehood and interference with business by… Read More »
Chambers Bar Awards 2009
The fifth annual Chambers & Partners Bar Awards were held last night at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London. 5RB‘s Matthew Nicklin won the Defamation Junior Barrister of the Year for a second time, having previously won… Read More »