UK court orders damages against journalist over Manchester Bombing claims

A UK court has ordered Richard Hall, a former television producer and investigative journalist, to pay £45,000 (USD $58,000) in damages to two survivors of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.

The ruling came after Martin Hibbert and his daughter Eve successfully sued Hall for “harassment and data protection violations”, alleging that his content falsely claimed the attack was a staged government event.

Hibbert, who was paralysed from the waist down, and his daughter, who sustained a severe brain injury, were both severely affected by the bombing, which occurred when a suicide bomber detonated a device outside an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 and injuring hundreds.

Hall published videos and a book asserting that those who died were not real victims, claiming they either lived abroad or were already deceased before the attack.

In court, Hall defended his actions by asserting he was pursuing public interest, suggesting that the Hibberts were “crisis actors” in a staged event. He argued that millions had been misled by a government-orchestrated “lie.”

The defense was rejected by the court, who ruled in October that Hall’s actions constituted “harassment”.

Critics of the ruling argue that Hall was not given a fair opportunity to present evidence supporting his belief that the bombing was staged. They argue the judgment sets a troubling precedent for free speech and investigative journalism.

Following the judgment Hall asked supporters for donations.

“Due to an impending injunction certain sections of the website have now been redacted. The donations I have had so far have just about, but not quite, funded all of my own legal costs which were well in excess of £100,000. Thank you to all who have donated. I am now facing £45,000 in damages plus up to £234,000 in the Claimants’ costs, totalling £279,000. If anyone wishes to assist me with this recent bill, obviously I would be very grateful!”

Hall is well-known through his online platform Rich Planet, and for investigative work into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.