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A former TV producer, Richard Hall, was ordered to pay £45,000 in damages after claiming the Manchester Arena bombing attack was staged. Two survivors of the attack, Martin Hibbert and his daughter Eve, of Chorley, have been awarded damages of £22,500 each. Martin Hibbert was left with a spinal cord injury and Eve Hibbert suffered significant brain damage as a result of the bombing. Hall told the court his actions, which included filming Eve outside her home, were in the public interest as a journalist and that “millions of people” had “bought a lie” about the attack.
Mrs Justice Steyn declined to award aggravated damages but said that Hall’s account was “preposterous and untrue” even though he continued to believe it was true. She also accepted that both father and daughter were vulnerable and the harassment had been prolonged. An injunction was imposed on Hall, aimed at stopping him harassing the Hibberts in future, and he was ordered to pay 90% of the Hibberts’ legal costs.
Martin Hibbert, who now uses a wheelchair, had been the closest survivor to the bomber and suffered 22 shrapnel wounds. He was left paralysed from the waist down and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eve Hibbert, who was 14 at the time of the attack, suffered significant, permanent cognitive impairment and was left needing full-time care throughout her life, unable to walk unassisted and suffering from PTSD and depression.
Outside the court, Martin Hibbert said Richard Hall’s actions were “oppressive and unacceptable”. “His abhorrent behaviour had to be challenged, not just for me and my family but for others too.” He added that the judgement was a “comprehensive victory” and hoped it opened the door for change to protect others.
Kerry Gillespie, of Hudgell Solicitors, said that many feel they can publish “harmful, unfounded allegations against others, especially those who have already suffered from tragedy” but added that this case has changed the landscape. “Martin and Eve have set a precedent which will hopefully see more people who engage in this sort of behaviour challenged.
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