KB-2022-003483 - [2025] EWHC 1912 (KB)

The Claimants seek a final injunction to restrain future publication of the defamatory statements. Mr Kelly did not raise any free-standing objection to this if I found in the Claimants’ favour on liability.

Having regard to the principles I have summarised at paras 73 – 74 above, I am satisfied that this is an appropriate case for the grant of injunctive relief. The defamatory allegations are very serious ones that have been injurious to the Claimants. The Defendant has not provided an apology or a retraction. It was not clear from his evidence whether he now accepts that the words he published were false; and, until he instructed Mr Kelly, he failed to treat these proceedings sufficiently seriously. The Defendant has not offered to give an undertaking to refrain from publishing the words complained of in the future.

In the circumstances I am satisfied that the grant of a final injunction is necessary and proportionate in order to prevent additional harm to the Claimants’ reputations. I will therefore make an order restraining the Defendant from publishing, or causing or permitting the publication, of the words complained of or of any similar words defamatory of the Claimants.