Chambers is proud of Richard Todd KC and Lily Mottahedan (instructed by Simon Bruce, Sarah Jane Lenihan, Amelia Alston, Laura Couves and Isabela Maculan of Dawson Cornwell) in their success in Part 2 of the recent Vince v Vince decision. In the face of significant press interest in the case, Mr Vince had sought to argue that only reporters who actually attend a hearing are permitted to have sight of position statements. Mrs Vince and her legal team disagreed.
Mr Justice Cusworth ruled that:
(a) Contrary to Mr Vince’s submissions, provision of documents is not limited to accredited reporters who attended the hearing
(b) Reporters who attended the hearing may pass on court documents they have legitimately received to other accredited reporters provided they too are served with any Transparency Order; and
(c) Parties too might be allowed to send permitted documents (such as position statements) to interested reporters provided the parties’ representatives agree and that the reporter is served with a copy of any Transparency Order (if not, the court will make a determination).
This decision re-affirmed the importance of press freedom within a carefully regulated framework which is fair to both parties and to the press.
A copy of the judgment can be found here.
