DEFAMATORY WORDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20586, 8 December 1928, Page 14

DEFAMATORY WORDS

FARTHING DAMAGES AWARDED. INTERESTING POINT ARISES. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, December 6. There was a sensational ending to the libel action brought by William Cooper Hobbs, who figured in the “ Mr A ” case. Hobbs sued the Liverpool Evening Express, in connection with a sketch of Bis life, imputing dishonesty. The jury intimated that it desired to find for the defendants, and Lord Hewart gave judgment for the defendants on- the ground that the plaintiff had been found a verdict for a farthing. ■. He announced, that the documents would be impounded aiNJ seat to the Public Prosecutor. In the dosing, stages Lord Hewart i said: “An interesting -point arises.- The jury has twice expressed the opinion that there must be a verdict for the defendants if the law allows, and the'most damaige the plaintiff has suffered is one farthing in connection- with the printed words that are defamatory. The law presumes there is some damage. Is that presumption to be rebutted? May the plaintiff appear, obviously so worthless a person that it is impossible that he can suffer damage from any libel?” Mr Norman Birkctt, K.C., said: “ I can conceive such a case that even a verdict , of one farthing' would be judgment for the defendants. I have paid into, court £l, which is 19s 11 Jd too much.”

Lord Hewart: “I gather, you ask for judgment for the defendants, with'costs?” He then gave. judgment accordingly, .and tho jury formally awarded Hobbs one farthing damages.—Australian /Press Association—United Service.