A perfect example of defamation has been brought to our attention today through the Christopher Jefferfies case. Eight newspapers have classed Jefferies as a "peeping tom" and "freak", this has led to him suing for libel as it covers the three grounds of identification, publication and defamation. He has received public apologies for the allegations made against him regarding the Joanna Yeates murder, in addition to the headline published by The Sun to describe his character as "Weird, posh, lewd, creepy". These defamatory statements have formed an impression that the individual is a "monster", thus ruining his reputation and invading his privacy when it is proven that he is "entirely innocent". He has suffered the scandal of the British tabloid media, making him the most recent victim of their "witch hunts". However, the papers have apologetically paid out substantial sums for the damage; the Daily Telegraph informs the public that the Daily Mirror has been fined £50,000 and The Sun £18,000.
The case was won on the basis of a "no win-no fee" system by Jefferies solicitor Louis Charalambous. However as concerns were raised regarding the rules of this system changing next year, The Ministry of Justice released a statement that the government will continue to support "deserving" cases. An interview with Christopher Jefferies was broadcast on Radio 4 this morning; click the link to listen - http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9629000/9629799.stm
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