Litigation and dispute resolution news

Defamation cases on the rise
3 September 2010

Footballer granted gagging order extension
3 September 2010

Use of responsible journalism defence up for debate in libel case
20 August 2010

Right to privacy laws in the pipeline?
19 August 2010

Is enough done to stop libel tourism in the UK?
22 July 2010

Defamation laws to be reformed
13 July 2010

Westcott v Westcott

30 October 2007



In a groundbreaking decision the Courts have recently decided that a person can now report an alleged crime to the police without fear of the alleged perpetrator of a crime bringing a claim for defamation against the informant.

We successfully acted for the informant, Dr Westcott in her defence of a claim brought against her by her Magistrate father-in-law, Mr Richard Westcott.

Dr Westcott alleged (to the police) that her father-in-law had struck her and her son, whilst she was visiting Mr Westcott's home. The police investigated but decided not to take the matter further, other than to inform the relevant Social Services department (with whom Mr Westcott was in contact via his work as a Magistrate). Mr Westcott then decided to bring a defamation claim against Dr Westcott, on the basis that the allegation was untrue (which Dr Westcott denied).

The Court has now struck out Mr Westcott's claim on the basis that absolute privilege and immunity from suit applies to the allegation made by Dr Westcott to the police.

Reported: Telegraph article

The legal team:
Matthew Brandis, partner

© Copyright