Menu
16/06/2005
Jury fail to reach verdict in libel case against Lineker
The jury in Liverpool footballer Harry Kewell’s libel action against TV pundit Gary Lineker has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict.
The Australian-born footballer had launched the libel action against the ‘Match of the Day’ presenter, as well as ‘Sunday Telegraph’ sports editor Jon Ryan and Telegraph Group Ltd, following what he described as a “hurtful and humiliating attack” by Mr Lineker in a newspaper column.
The article, published in July 2003, focused on Mr Kewell’s £5 million transfer from Leeds to Liverpool. Two million pounds of that fee went to Max Sport, the company ran by the footballer’s manager, Bernie Mandic, as payment for work carried out for Leeds football club in Australia.
Mr Kewell had claimed that Mr Lineker’s article had been defamatory, however, the defence countered that it was ‘fair comment’, claiming that the article was aimed, not at Mr Kewell, but at the transfer system itself and the agents, such as Mr Mandic, who were involved in the deals.
The jury had begun deliberations yesterday, but failed to reach a majority decision on the question of whether or not Mr Kewell had been defamed by the article.
Speaking at the High Court today, Mr Justice Eady said: “The only step I can take is to discharge you from giving a verdict in this case.”
Mr Kewell, who is receiving medical treatment for an injury in Portugal, was not present at court today. He will now have to decide whether he wants the case to go to a retrial.
Speaking outside court, Mr Lineker told reporters: “It looks like a replay. I can’t say anything else because I don’t know what is going to happen.”
(KMcA/SP)
The Australian-born footballer had launched the libel action against the ‘Match of the Day’ presenter, as well as ‘Sunday Telegraph’ sports editor Jon Ryan and Telegraph Group Ltd, following what he described as a “hurtful and humiliating attack” by Mr Lineker in a newspaper column.
The article, published in July 2003, focused on Mr Kewell’s £5 million transfer from Leeds to Liverpool. Two million pounds of that fee went to Max Sport, the company ran by the footballer’s manager, Bernie Mandic, as payment for work carried out for Leeds football club in Australia.
Mr Kewell had claimed that Mr Lineker’s article had been defamatory, however, the defence countered that it was ‘fair comment’, claiming that the article was aimed, not at Mr Kewell, but at the transfer system itself and the agents, such as Mr Mandic, who were involved in the deals.
The jury had begun deliberations yesterday, but failed to reach a majority decision on the question of whether or not Mr Kewell had been defamed by the article.
Speaking at the High Court today, Mr Justice Eady said: “The only step I can take is to discharge you from giving a verdict in this case.”
Mr Kewell, who is receiving medical treatment for an injury in Portugal, was not present at court today. He will now have to decide whether he wants the case to go to a retrial.
Speaking outside court, Mr Lineker told reporters: “It looks like a replay. I can’t say anything else because I don’t know what is going to happen.”
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 July 2005
Lineker and Kewell settle libel case
Former England football star Gary Lineker and Liverpool player Harry Kewell have reached a settlement in their High Court libel case.
Lineker and Kewell settle libel case
Former England football star Gary Lineker and Liverpool player Harry Kewell have reached a settlement in their High Court libel case.
25 March 2010
Stuffed Tiger Seized
Police have seized a stuffed adult tiger from a central London studio which is believed to have been touted for an illegal sale. A 47-year-old man was also arrested after officers became aware of the planned sale of the animal, which was once used by the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen in a photoshoot.
Stuffed Tiger Seized
Police have seized a stuffed adult tiger from a central London studio which is believed to have been touted for an illegal sale. A 47-year-old man was also arrested after officers became aware of the planned sale of the animal, which was once used by the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen in a photoshoot.
24 April 2006
Gary Lineker's brother jailed for tax fraud
The brother of former England football captain Gary Lineker has been jailed for his part in a £220,000 tax fraud. Wayne Lineker, 43, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years at Southwark Crown Court in London.
Gary Lineker's brother jailed for tax fraud
The brother of former England football captain Gary Lineker has been jailed for his part in a £220,000 tax fraud. Wayne Lineker, 43, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years at Southwark Crown Court in London.
26 May 2011
Labourer Jailed For Two Double Murders
A 66-year-old Labourer has been found guilty of two Pembrokeshire double murders. John Cooper, from Letterston, has been jailed for life after evading justice for decades.
Labourer Jailed For Two Double Murders
A 66-year-old Labourer has been found guilty of two Pembrokeshire double murders. John Cooper, from Letterston, has been jailed for life after evading justice for decades.
26 July 2004
Teenage schoolboy convicted of murdering fellow pupil
A teenage schoolboy has been convicted of the murder of another pupil in Lincolnshire last November. The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of killing Luke Walmsley at Birkbeck School in North Somercotes, Lincolnshire, on November 4.
Teenage schoolboy convicted of murdering fellow pupil
A teenage schoolboy has been convicted of the murder of another pupil in Lincolnshire last November. The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of killing Luke Walmsley at Birkbeck School in North Somercotes, Lincolnshire, on November 4.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
