Restitution Discussion Group Archives
| Sender: |
Steve Hedley |
| Date: |
Mon, 10 Dec 2001 15:54:25 |
| Re: |
Condictio Archerii rediviva |
Daily Telegraph Tabloid sues Archer to get its money back LORD Archer is being sued by the News of the World for
£130,000, representing money paid 14 years ago in "compensation" for articles
about his relationship with a prostitute.
A High Court writ shows that the tabloid newspaper,
owned by Rupert Murdoch, wants a refund after the conviction of Archer
for lying under oath this year.
The development will surprise many readers of the newspaper
famous for its coverage of sex scandals, because its editor is usually
the defendant in High Court cases.
The articles in question appeared in 1986 after Monica
Coghlan contacted Archer asking him to help avoid the interests of journalists.
Unknown to him, she was working with the News of the World.
Miss Coghlan was then photographed as she was paid money
by Michael Stacpoole, Archer's associate, on a platform at Victoria Station.
On October 26, the newspaper ran the story under the
headlines "Tory boss Archer pays off vice girl", "The money will be in
the package . . . Go abroad quickly" and "Tory whizzkid faces weeping
wife".
The Daily Star followed up the story and was sued by
Archer in the famous libel trial - leading to then record damages of £500,000
paid to Lord Archer.
After the trial, the News of the World agreed to pay
damages of £50,000 to Archer with costs of £32,000 in return for a guarantee
that he would not sue over the articles. Now the newspaper wants the money
back plus interest and costs.
The Daily Star is demanding £2.2 million from Archer,
and executives say they hope to reach a settlement in the near future.
Archer is currently in Weyland prison, Norfolk, serving
a four-year sentence for perjury and perverting the course of justice.
Steve Hedley
=================================================== telephone and answering machine : (01223) 334931 Christ's College Cambridge CB2 3BU
Monday 10 December 2001
By Rajeev Syal (Filed: 09/12/2001)
FACULTY OF LAW, UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
messages : (01223) 334900
fax : (01223) 334967
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