Libel – Limitation Act 1980. 

Claimants wished to sue Channel 4 for defamatory programme broadcast on 26th May 1998. Claim not brought within a year and was therefore statute barred. High Court Master dismissed application to disapply statutory limitation period. Claimants appealed. Circumstances in which limitation period would be disapplied. Whether it was equitable to allow the case to proceed. In view of balance of prejudice, reasons for and length of delay and effect on cogency of evidence, not equitable to allow case to proceed. Appeal dismissed. Hink & Anr v. Channel 4 Television. Queen’s bench Division. Morland J. 03/03/00.

“Law Alert”