Rubython forced to pay the prices for Purnell libel
06/05/2006 In Court 14 at the London High Court yesterday (Thursday), the jury decided on the amount of compensation BusinessF1 and its publisher Tom Rubython should pay former Jaguar team boss Tony Purnell, following the Englishman's successful libel action against the magazine. Under direction from Mr Justice Gray the jury - consisting of nine women and three men - agreed the figure of £75,000 in damages, together with costs of £135,000. Furthermore, half the costs are to be paid within 28 days and the damages are to be paid within 14 days. The three-day hearing, during which Mr Rubython patiently wheeled in his ubiquitous trolley, loaded with various well-thumbed, day-glo hi-lighted legal documents, finally came to an end in mid-afternoon. "This has been a challenging experience," said Purnell. "Legal action was a last resort, but I am highly satisfied with the result. BusinessF1 sets out its stall as a magazine that readers can trust. The jury gave a firm and unequivocal ruling that now sets the record straight. "BusinessF1 magazine under its editor Mr Rubython has been shown to have grave journalistic shortcomings and little regard for the truth. I would like to thank those who assisted me throughout the case: Dominic Crossley and all at Steeles Law, my barrister William Bennett, and particularly the witnesses who were prepared to give evidence and stand up for the truth." "Mr Purnell took a brave stand against a magazine that persisted, right up to trial, to conduct an aggressive and unrelenting campaign against him," added Dominic Crossley. "Mr Purnell has now achieved the result he deserves. This is not the only action being taken against BusinessF1 and its editor who must now realise that they cannot continue to publish stories that are so wildly inaccurate." This costly action comes in the wake of previous legal action against BusinessF1 involving FIA consultant Alan Donnelly, and ahead of several more pending actions. |
