Defamation in action - Christopher Jefferies Libel Case

Eight newspapers published public apologies to Christopher Jefferies today, having previously printed defaming and libellous allegations towards him earlier in the year. The newspapers have also agreed to pay a significant amount in libel damages.

The false accusations towards Mr Jefferies were in reference to the Murder of Joanna Yeates, which he had been arrested and questioned by the police for, in December 2010 (Christopher Jefferies was found to be entirely innocent and had no part in the murder. Vincent Tabak has now been charged with the murder of Joanna Yeates. Tabak admits to manslaughter and is currently on trial for murder.) . Newspapers then embarked upon a “witch hunt” against Mr Jefferies, drawing concerns over his character, and causing significant damage to his reputation.

In an interview on the Today programme on Radio 4 with Sarah Montague Mr Jefferies reveals how he could not even leave his home to go to the shop, having to be sheltered by his friends from the allegations being published in the media.

This case also bring up the topic of the on-going questioning surrounding “no win – no fee” legal representation, as this was the system Mr Jefferies used for his libel case. The Ministry of Justice released a statement stating that the government is willing to support “deserving” cases using the no win no fee system.

Here is the link to the interview with Christopher Jefferies on the Today programme:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9629000/9629799.stm

Here is the link to an article in the Telegraph about the libel pay out:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8670114/Joanna-Yeatess-landlord-Chris-Jefferies-wins-libel-payout.html