Ms Shaw has joined in a statement in open court this morning, following settlement of Mr Sykes’ libel claim
Mr Sykes sued Ms Shaw over a Facebook post that she published in May 2021, shortly after the inquest into the death of his wife, Jodie Sykes.
Lily Walker-Parr, of 5RB, told HHJ Lewis (sitting as a judge of the High Court) that the Facebook post contained allegations which were read by a number of people, causing harm to Mr Sykes’ reputation and distress to both him and his family.
Elisabeth Traugott, who appeared for Ms Shaw, told the court that she apologised, accepted that she should not have made the defamatory allegations, retracted them, and regretted the distress, hurt and embarrassment caused to Mr Sykes and the damage caused to his reputation.
Ms Traugott explained that Ms Shaw accepted that Mr Sykes did not kill or otherwise cause the death of Ms Sykes and Ms Burrows (his ex-partner); did not mentally and physically abuse Ms Sykes and Ms Burrows; will not kill and/or physically and mentally abuse his current partner; is not engaged in violent criminal activity; does not torture and abuse women; and is not a danger to women.
In addition to apologising, Ms Shaw has agreed to pay Mr Sykes a substantial sum by way of compensation.
The statement in open court can be found here.
5RB’s Lily Walker-Parr appeared for Mr Sykes, instructed by Brandsmiths.