SENSATIONAL ENDING

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 99, 8 December 1928, Page 6

SENSATIONAL ENDING

TO LIBEL ACTION. ECHO OF “MR. A” CASE. LONDON, December 6, There was a. sensational' ending to the in>sl action brought by William Chopor Hobbs ,wliqi figured in, the) Nfr A case. Hobbs sued the Liverpool “Evening Express” in connection with a sketch* of his life, imputing dishonesty.

The jury intimated that it desired to find for defendants, ‘and Lord' Hewait gay© judgment to defendants, on ground that plaintiff had got a formal verdict for a farthing. He announced that the documents would h© impounded and sent to the Public Prosecutor.

In the closing stages Lord Hewprt said; “An interesting point arises. Thai jury has twice expressed the opinion that there- must ho a verdict for defendants, if the law allows, and the most damage the plaintiff hhs suffered is n- farthing, in connection with printed words that are defamatory. The law presumes that there is some damage. Is that presumption to- ho rebutted. May plashtiff appear obviously >as so worthlessa, person that- ft is impossible- jjshafc h© can suffer damage from a-ny libel.”

Mr Birkctt said: “I can conceive such a case that even a. verdict of a

farthing would bo judgment for defendants. 1 have pi id into a Court a pound, wh.ch is 19s HJd too I much.” j Lord Hewarfc; “I gath,er v tha.t yon ask for judgment for defendants I with costs.” ( Ho then gwe judgment accordingly- ■ The jury formally awarded Hobbs a farthing damages.