QB-2022-002867 - [2025] EWHC 2558 (KB)

The claim as issued on 5^th September 2022 is for damages (not expected to exceed £40,000) and injunctive relief for libel.

The amended particulars of claim are dated 1^st November 2024. They plead as follows, in relation to serious harm:

13.

The words complained of were published to at least 57 people who ‘reacted’ to the post. It is to be inferred that the number of readers is substantially higher than the 57 who have reacted to the post. Multiple colleagues and friends of the Claimant who have not reacted to the post have contacted the Claimant to discuss the content of the post.

14.

The publication of the words complained of has, or is likely to, it is to be inferred, caused serious harm to the Claimant’s reputation. In support of this the Claimant will rely upon:

14.1

the seriousness of the allegations complained of;

14.2

the allegations amounting to the suggestion that the Claimant would deprive the Defendant of her residence, rendering her homeless, and is untrustworthy, having continually lied about the Defendant;

14.3

the fact that the allegations go to the heart of the Claimant’s personal integrity as an honest member of society;

14.4

the fact that the Defendant is a well known member of the local community;

14.5

the fact that many within Whalley are likely to have seen the words complained of;

14.6

the fact that the Claimant was well known within Whalley and the local community;

14.7

the response of ‘Facebook Friends’ of the Defendant expressing support for the Defendant’s post and condemning the alleged behaviour of the Claimant; and

14.8

the publication encouraged the readership to disassociate themselves from the Claimant.

15.

The said conduct complained of herein above has and is continuing to cause an enormous impact on the Claimant.

16.

The Claimant has suffered, and is continuing to suffer, significant distress and anxiety.

17.

The Claimant has felt unable to return to Whalley due to the harm to her reputation caused by the Defendant’s publication. Whalley is the village in which the Claimant made her home from 2011 until December 2019, and is where many of the Claimant’s friends reside.