Start date set for High Court case in which broadcaster claims damages for defamation over 'hurtful' media output

                                                 

Chris Packham - court hearing could last eight days

CELEBRITY TV  naturalist and environmental campaigner Chris Packham will have his defamation case against the editor and two contributors to Country Squire Magazine heard next month in the High Court in London.

Proceedings, which could last for up to eight days, are due to start at 1.30am on Tuesday May 2.

Mr Packham will argue that the three he is suing have embarked on a campaign of online hatred and abuse which has caused him anguish, anxiety and distress.

The matter relates to nine articles, 10 social media posts and two videos.

The defendants are the editor of Country Squire Magazine, Dominic Wightman, and contributors Nigel Bean and Paul Read.

The broadcaster says that claims made about him have been defamatory and designed to damage his financial interests, credibility, integrity and his personal wellbeing.

All parties face cross-examination.