Libel or Slander or both what can I do to stop it getting that far?

[james robertson]

Dear Beagles,
I'm a member of a club and I suppose sort of social secretary as well. in that I organise an annual bash to raise funds for charity. We are mildly successful.
In 2104 I organised this bash with a very unpersuadable 'president' who without any discussion with me, engaged an event organiser, engaged a venue and agreed to (and this is the important part) a minimum numbers of guests (50). I pointed out to him that we have never had that many guests attend before and I would not sanction it without his agreement to indemnify the organisation against any shortfall. To cut a long story short he agreed (via e-mail) and of course there was a shortfall. I had arranged things so that the shortfall was an absolute minimum, indeed it was only £330.00 whereas it might have been around £1,000 if the appointed event organiser had got his way!

So I asked him to stand by his guarantee and pay the £330, which he refused to do. In the end another member paid it for him, so much for being an honourable man!

Fast forward to this years event which had nothing to do with him at all, all went off very well and this gentleman and his wife were in attendance. On the Sunday morning the husband pulled me to one side and accused me of physically assaulting his wife the evening before (at the Banquet) and whats more I am supposed to have sexually assaulted her three years earlier! Both of these things are not true, but rather than causing a scene in a public place (hotel reception) I said I did no such thing but I would be in contact with a proper response.

He has now complained to the senior members of the local organisation and having not got the required answers there has complained to the regional organisers, by phone and e-mail. The local members asked what could they do? On one side they have a complaint and on the other they have my denial. they said they were not a court and could do nothing. I am waiting to find out what if anything the regional organisers do ( I don't think they can do any more than the locals).

However this is spreading vicious lies about me, what can I do, short of spending millions I don't have on a libel case?

[james robertson]

Re: Libel or Slander or both what can I do to stop it getting that far?

It seems there's lots of interest but not a lot of advice?

[des8]

Re: Libel or Slander or both what can I do to stop it getting that far?

Probably little response because there s little one can advise about.
You can give the lies the attention they deserve and ignore
You can verbally rebut the defamation
You could consult a solicitor who specialise in defamation cases to see what they think.
If your case is sound enough you may be able to engage a solcitor on a conditional fee basis.

I would not advise blasting ahead with court (with all its costs implications) unless you have representation and know how it is to be funded in the event of losing!

[charitynjw]

Re: Libel or Slander or both what can I do to stop it getting that far?

Physical & sexual assault are both criminal offences.
Why have these people (husband &/or wife) not contacted the police? (Who would be best equipped to conduct investigations).
A rhetorical question that could be put to the powers that be in your organisation along with your own complaint about 'El Presidente' & the unsubstantiated allegations.

[james robertson]

Re: Libel or Slander or both what can I do to stop it getting that far?

Probably little response because there s little one can advise about.
You can give the lies the attention they deserve and ignore
You can verbally rebut the defamation
You could consult a solicitor who specialise in defamation cases to see what they think.
If your case is sound enough you may be able to engage a solcitor on a conditional fee basis.

I would not advise blasting ahead with court (with all its costs implications) unless you have representation and know how it is to be funded in the event of losing!

I was kind of thinking of getting a solicitor to send a letter making threats to scare, but I have no money to follow it up but thanks for the advice

[james robertson]

Re: Libel or Slander or both what can I do to stop it getting that far?

Physical & sexual assault are both criminal offences.
Why have these people (husband &/or wife) not contacted the police? (Who would be best equipped to conduct investigations).
A rhetorical question that could be put to the powers that be in your organisation along with your own complaint about 'El Presidente' & the unsubstantiated allegations.

Exactly one of my questions, another is why keep attending an event organised by me after the alleged assault? She is reported to have even told another guest how much she enjoyed this years' event! this was shortly after her husband made the allegations.

But I can't have these allegations hanging over me, they will adversely effect the licencing regime I exist under.

[des8]

Re: Libel or Slander or both what can I do to stop it getting that far?

But I can't have these allegations hanging over me, they will adversely effect the licencing regime I exist under.

well in that case make enquiries off solicitors to see if any will take it on a conditional fee basis.

[james robertson]

Re: Libel or Slander or both what can I do to stop it getting that far?

What is it they might be able to do? and sorry for the obvious question, but what do you mean by a conditional fee basis?

[des8]

Re: Libel or Slander or both what can I do to stop it getting that far?

Conditional fee = no win no fee.
On that basis you could possibly fund a defamation case.

Of course, by ignoring, it might all just fade away, but by goinng to court it brings attention to it all!

[james robertson]

Re: Libel or Slander or both what can I do to stop it getting that far?

Thank you, but is there such a thing as 'a cease & desist' letter? This couple for some reason have not gone to the Police but have aired this grievance in the circles of the club only. They also have more to lose than me financially. would a solicitors letter either put them off continuing or make them go to the Police, with what I think is a non existent case. Either way would end the anxiety this has caused me.

[des8]

Re: Libel or Slander or both what can I do to stop it getting that far?

Well yes, you can send them a letter telling them to cease and desist, or you will take legal action.
Or you can pay a solicitor to do it for you.

Whether or not those concerned will take any notice is a different matter.
Are they likely to take note?
Do you have witnesses who are prepared to stand in court and give evidence on your behalf?
Presumably they only make these comments to those they regard as confidants.

[james robertson]

Re: Libel or Slander or both what can I do to stop it getting that far?

Well I don't have witnesses who will state I didn't do it, that's impossible. But I do have people who will say how it's unlikely, and that 'She' said she had enjoyed this year's event. Plus of course I can cast doubt on her older accusations, why would somebody who had been attacked by me, come to another event organised by me, let alone three further events. plus why did she not report it to the police at the time or anytime since.

They have not only made these comments to confidants, far from it, they have made them verbally and in writing to local organisers who both parties know and regional organisers (the latter are not known to them personally as far as I am aware).

While none of these people are currently customers (with one exception) they might be in future. Also their being aware of these allegations, despite them being untrue, may 'leak' effecting potential future income prospects. If they (the allegations) were to become more generally known, they may damage or prevent me from being re-licenced in future for my profession.

Yes if a letter was sent, it might push them to report it to the Police, it equally might make them sit back and consider the financial risk they would be taking by continuing. Either way the 'it would lance the boil' I doubt the Police would after inquiring take any action.

What do you think?

[des8]

Re: Libel or Slander or both what can I do to stop it getting that far?

I was meaning witnesses who would substantiate your claim that these allegations had been made .
If you were to go to sue for defamation their defence might be that the allegations were true.
In that case they would have to prove them, it would not be for you to prove you hadn't acted in the manner alleged.

I'm afraid you are on the horns of a dilemma and the decision is yours
Let it lie, and hope it disappears, or face it head on in the hope of putting the resulting rumours down

[james robertson]

Re: Libel or Slander or both what can I do to stop it getting that far?

Found a solicitor who actually answered my enquiry!

will let you know what happens....