Radio Amateur wins planning libel case

A Bedfordshire radio amateur has been awarded substantial damages, following distribution of a libellous letter.

Objecting to a planning application for an amateur radio aerial by Rick Brand, G0SJR, his neighbours sent the letter to South Bedfordshire District Council and ten other neighbours.

In Coventry County Court, Recorder Ashworth QC said, of the libellous statements in the letter, that they were "personal and designed deliberately to damage Mr Brand in the eyes of others". In addition to damages, the neighbours were ordered to pay G0SJRs legal costs.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Brand, a Parish Councillor, said "It has never been about money and I will be donating some of it to charity. I would like to thank the RSGB for their help with my planning application, which was successful."

Source: GB2RS News - Courtesy of the RSGB