My Small Claims Court action moved to Kings Court, without my knowledge nor intent

[Lsc297]

My local newspaper, part of Reach Plc, published a defamatory article, implying that it was myself who had made racist, ignorant remarks.
Having been messed about by the so-called Independent Press Authority, I took them to Small Claims Court, for £5000. On appeal, the case was thrown out, because Small Claims Court does not have jurisdiction for libel cases.
I have since found out, the case has been moved to the Kings Bench.
I contacted the Court, and informed them that I had neither asked for, nor wanted the case transferred, and simply wanted the matter closed
I was informed by the appointed Master's Clerk, that it was now a live case.
I certainly do not have the funds to undertake a Kings Court action- if I did I would not have filed a claim in Small Claims.
The Clerk states that " I should try and communicate with Reach Plc to see whether you can come to some agreement by way of a Consent Order for the case to be closed."
Surely this should never have got to this stage?
If a case is outside the remit of Small Claims, should they not have declined it & ( hopefully ) returned my fee?
I am now seriously stressed out at the prospect of facing substantial legal costs.
Any advice would be so welcome!

[atticus]

Yes, that would happen. CPR 53.1 (https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/pr...art53#IDA1B1HC) stipulates that defamation claims must be issued in the High Court. So your case has quite rightly been transferred to the King's Bench Division of the High Court.

[echat11]

Not sure how you've ended up where the case is now.
But you need to seek some advice / help to close this down.
Speak to solicitors who deal with libel / High Court matter,
get some 'initial advice'.

[JK2054]

My local newspaper, part of Reach Plc, published a defamatory article, implying that it was myself who had made racist, ignorant remarks.
Having been messed about by the so-called Independent Press Authority, I took them to Small Claims Court, for £5000. On appeal, the case was thrown out, because Small Claims Court does not have jurisdiction for libel cases.
I have since found out, the case has been moved to the Kings Bench.
I contacted the Court, and informed them that I had neither asked for, nor wanted the case transferred, and simply wanted the matter closed
I was informed by the appointed Master's Clerk, that it was now a live case.
I certainly do not have the funds to undertake a Kings Court action- if I did I would not have filed a claim in Small Claims.
The Clerk states that " I should try and communicate with Reach Plc to see whether you can come to some agreement by way of a Consent Order for the case to be closed."
Surely this should never have got to this stage?
If a case is outside the remit of Small Claims, should they not have declined it & ( hopefully ) returned my fee?
I am now seriously stressed out at the prospect of facing substantial legal costs.
Any advice would be so welcome!

No they wouldn't cancel the claim they would just transfer it.