The case of Paul Britton and Origin Design
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Cohen Davis win a criminal and a civil harassment and defamation case against web design company
In the UK, while defamation itself doesn't lead to criminal prosecution, certain circumstances surrounding a defamation incident might still involve the criminal courts.
Table of content:
Is defamation a civil or a criminal in the UK
What is the difference between defamation and harassment
Can you take someone to court for defamation and harassment at the same time
Can you user a criminal conviction of harassment in a civil defamation case
Why is the case of Paul Britton and Origin Design significant
Is defamation a civil or a criminal in the UK
The case involving web developer Paul Britton and his company, Origin Design, is a notable example in which a criminal conviction for harassment was effectively utilized as the basis for a High Court claim for defamation. In this jurisdiction, defamation is typically addressed as a civil wrongdoing, involving the injured party (the individual whose reputation was harmed) initiating a civil lawsuit against the alleged defamer (the person responsible for making false statements). However, if the defamation case also involves elements of harassment, it may then come under the jurisdiction of criminal court proceedings.
What is the difference between defamation and harassment
Defamation and harassment are two distinct legal issues, and their definitions and consequences differ. Defamation typically concerns itself with false statements that harm a person's reputation, while harassment deals with persistent unwanted behaviour intended to cause alarm or distress. However, situations can arise where the two overlap.
Can you take someone to court for defamation and harassment at the same time?
Absolutely. In many legal jurisdictions, it's possible to take someone to court for both defamation and harassment, although the approach and strategy might differ based on the specifics of the case and the legal system in place. One critical factor to consider is the statute of limitations. For defamation claims, in many places, you have a limited window – often only 12 months – to initiate legal action from the date the defamatory statement was made or published.
Therefore, timing is of the essence when considering legal recourse. If someone has harassed you and, as part of that harassment, made defamatory statements about you, it might be strategic to first address the harassment in a criminal court. Harassment, being a course of conduct that causes alarm or distress, might be easier to prove criminally, especially if there's a pattern of behaviour or clear evidence of intent. Once you've successfully secured a conviction in the criminal court for harassment, this verdict can bolster your subsequent civil claim for defamation. The conviction serves as a potent piece of evidence, indicating the defendant's malicious intent and propensity to use falsehoods as a weapon to cause distress.
Can you use a criminal conviction of harassment in a civil defamation case
Yes, you can. A good demonstration of this is the case that our firm took against the web developer, Paul Britton, and his company, Origin Design. The Paul Britton case marked a legal milestone in the UK. It became the first instance where an online troll was held accountable for his harassing and defamatory actions on two distinct occasions: once in the realm of criminal law, and then again in the civil legal system. Paul Britton, a web developer by profession and owner of a web development company, found himself entangled in a disagreement with one of his clients, a certain Mr. Phipps.
The root of their dispute revolved around a £200 charge for a job that, according to Mr. Phipps, was not executed to the agreed-upon standards. Instead of addressing the grievance directly, Mr. Britton chose to escalate the matter by filing a suit against Mr. Phipps in the small claims court. However, this legal move was just the beginning of a series of vindictive actions. Concurrently, Britton embarked on a sinister campaign against Mr. Phipps. He created multiple bogus websites that maliciously and falsely portrayed Mr. Phipps as a paedophile. This cruel smear campaign was not only damaging to Mr. Phipps's reputation but also caused him considerable emotional distress.
Though Mr. Phipps was confident that Britton was the mastermind behind these defamatory websites, gathering concrete evidence to substantiate this belief posed a significant challenge. The police, too, found themselves at a similar impasse, unable to conclusively link Britton to the digital onslaught against Phipps. Despite these challenges, the case would eventually become a precedent-setter. Paul Britton faced justice in the criminal court for his online harassment and, once convicted, had to answer for his actions again in a separate civil case in the High Court. The outcome served as a powerful reminder about the consequences of online harassment and the significance of digital responsibility.
They were embroiled in a controversy that combined elements of both defamation and harassment. Initially, there was a financial dispute between the company and one of its customers. Instead of resolving this issue through traditional means, Britton and Origin Design took to making false statements that damaged the customer's reputation, thereby engaging in defamation. However, it didn't stop at just false claims. The actions of Brittton and his company extended beyond mere statements. They continually targeted the customer with persistent unwanted behaviour that was intended to intimidate, distress, and annoy.
This repeated troubling conduct is characteristic of harassment. Given the dual nature of their actions, it was feasible for the affected party to pursue a two-pronged legal approach. First, they could potentially initiate a criminal prosecution based on harassment. Criminal harassment charges focus on the psychological or emotional trauma and the direct harm caused by the unwanted behaviour. Once this has been addressed, the aggrieved party can then pivot towards seeking redress for the defamation, focusing on the reputational damage caused by false statements.
Why is the case of Paul Britton and Origin Design significant
The case of Britton and Origin Design is significant because it involved a double prosecution, both criminal and civil, for harassment in the UK. The case revolved around Mr. Britton, the owner of a web developing company, who had a dispute with one of his clients, Mr. Phipps, over unsatisfactory work. In retaliation, Mr. Britton created fake websites falsely accusing Mr. Phipps of being a paedophile. The significance of this case lies in the fact that Mr. Phipps' reputation was severely damaged, leading to the loss of his business and the deterioration of his mental health.
Yair Cohen, a social media lawyer, took on Mr. Phipps' case and obtained evidence that proved Mr. Britton's involvement in the harassing websites. This evidence, including an audio recording, was handed over to the police, resulting in Mr. Britton's conviction for harassment and a prison sentence. Furthermore, Yair Cohen initiated civil proceedings against Mr. Britton for harassment and defamation, which Mr. Britton lost. As a result, he had to pay substantial damages to Mr. Phipps, cover his legal costs, and provide him with an apology. This case highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions online and the potential consequences they may face in both criminal and civil courts.
This case was reported in the press
Web developer created a website about ex-client falsely claiming he was a paedophile
Harassment victim wins libel damages
Are you a victim of defamation? Time might be of the essence. Call us now for legal advice on +44 207 183 4123 or send a request and we will contact you as soon as possible.
