First UK Twitter libel claim win


The High Court in Cardiff Wales heard what is believed to be the first UK libel case involving comments made on Twitter. The case ended with Welsh councillor Colin Elsbury being ordered to pay damages totalling £3,000 to political rival Eddie Talbot, after wrongly claiming on Twitter that Mr Talbot had been removed by police from a polling station during a byelection in 2009.

Mr Elsbury could also find himself having to foot a £50,000 legal bill after he admitted that he had defamed Mr Talbot. He has also been required to post an apology on Twitter page.

The comment was made by Mr Elsbury during a byelection that involved both men seeking election to Caerphilly town council, and although Mr Elsbury tried to correct his 'tweeted' message by saying it was a case of mistaken identity, Mr Talbot made a libel claim for compensation against him.

The case could well cause a rush of similar cases now that a Court has clearly demonstrated that Twitter is like any other published medium, and that any defamation of character results from 'tweeted' comments will be taking seriously.

If you feel that you have been the victim of a defamation of character and would like to receive legal advice about making a claim, contact Wilson Nesbitt solicitors in Belfast by emailing litigation@wilson-nesbitt.co.uk .



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