10/10/2012
Judge Rules Elton John 'Not Libelled' By Times Articles
Sir Elton John has lost a High Court ruling in a case he brought which claimed the singer was ‘severely damaged’ by two Times articles that linked him to a controversial tax avoidance scheme.
Mr Justice Tugendhat said in a short oral judgment that the two Times articles were not capable of bearing the defamatory meaning alleged by John.
John complained that two articles on “The secrets of tax avoiders” published by the Times on 21 June libelled him.
He said that the two articles, part of the Times's prominent tax avoidance investigation, falsely claimed that John had used Patrick McKenna of Ingenious Media as his accountant in a tax avoidance scheme.
The day after the story was published the Times published a correction in which it acknowledged that McKenna had never been John's accountant. A second clarification was added on 26 July stating that Ingenious Media had not been involved in tax avoidance activities.
Tugendhat ruled: "The conclusion I have reached is that the words complained of are not capable of bearing the meaning attributed to them by the claimant or any other defamatory meaning."
(H)
Mr Justice Tugendhat said in a short oral judgment that the two Times articles were not capable of bearing the defamatory meaning alleged by John.
John complained that two articles on “The secrets of tax avoiders” published by the Times on 21 June libelled him.
He said that the two articles, part of the Times's prominent tax avoidance investigation, falsely claimed that John had used Patrick McKenna of Ingenious Media as his accountant in a tax avoidance scheme.
The day after the story was published the Times published a correction in which it acknowledged that McKenna had never been John's accountant. A second clarification was added on 26 July stating that Ingenious Media had not been involved in tax avoidance activities.
Tugendhat ruled: "The conclusion I have reached is that the words complained of are not capable of bearing the meaning attributed to them by the claimant or any other defamatory meaning."
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 August 2012
Sir Elton John To Sue The Times
Sir Elton John will sue the Times newspaper for libel over the publication of articles he claims falsely accused him of tax avoidance. Two articles were published with the by-line “secrets of the tax avoiders’, I which the newspaper stated Patrick McKenna of Ingenious Media was Sir Elton's former accountant. This however was untrue.
Sir Elton John To Sue The Times
Sir Elton John will sue the Times newspaper for libel over the publication of articles he claims falsely accused him of tax avoidance. Two articles were published with the by-line “secrets of the tax avoiders’, I which the newspaper stated Patrick McKenna of Ingenious Media was Sir Elton's former accountant. This however was untrue.
07 January 2005
Reid hails mobile treatment centres as success
According to a report published today more than 120,000 patients have been treated since the start of the government's pioneering Treatment Centre programme, in some cases up to eight times faster than traditional NHS providers.
Reid hails mobile treatment centres as success
According to a report published today more than 120,000 patients have been treated since the start of the government's pioneering Treatment Centre programme, in some cases up to eight times faster than traditional NHS providers.
06 December 2010
Government Clampdown On Tax Avoidance
David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, has today announced a number of changes to legislation to tackle tax avoidance. Some of these changes will take immediate effect.
Government Clampdown On Tax Avoidance
David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, has today announced a number of changes to legislation to tackle tax avoidance. Some of these changes will take immediate effect.
06 April 2011
Government Tackle Tax Avoidance
David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, has today announced a change in legislation to prevent tax avoidance. The measure will prevent individuals from taking advantage of a tax loophole that would have emerged today had the Government not taken action.
Government Tackle Tax Avoidance
David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, has today announced a change in legislation to prevent tax avoidance. The measure will prevent individuals from taking advantage of a tax loophole that would have emerged today had the Government not taken action.
06 February 2012
Ending Corporation Tax Relief Could Raise £1.7bn
Ending corporation tax relief for high pay and top bonuses could raise around £1.7bn a year if applied to the banking and financial services sector, according to a new report published on Monday.
Ending Corporation Tax Relief Could Raise £1.7bn
Ending corporation tax relief for high pay and top bonuses could raise around £1.7bn a year if applied to the banking and financial services sector, according to a new report published on Monday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.