ATKINS THOMSON settle privacy action on behalf of Jade Goody’s family

Nov. 9, 2009 - PRLog -- On 22 October 2009 Jade Goody's close family represented by London law firm Atkins Thomson settled their privacy action against MGN Limited and the photo agency Newspics Limited in respect of photographs that were taken of the private burial of Jade on 4th April.

In a consent order approved by the High Court, the Defendants agreed to pay Jade's family £35,000 in damages as well as their legal costs. They have given undertakings to the family that they will not publish, republish, syndicate, use or disseminate any of the photographs of the private burial or any similar photographs in the future.

On 5th April 2009 , The People published an article under the headlines "Devastated ", “Circle of tears at secret graveside” and “Her Final resting place” which included a photograph of Jade Goody’s close friends and family at the graveside.  Jade’s family issued proceedings for breach of privacy against MGN Limited and Newspics Limited in relation to the photograph.

Mark Thomson of Atkins Thomson said “This gross invasion of privacy caused family and friends of Jade considerable distress."

In the High Court in London MGN Limited and Newspics Limited agreed by consent to pay damages and legal costs.

MGN Limited have written to the family accepting that the family had a reasonable expectation of privacy in respect of such photographs and apologising for the distress caused.

Notes to editors:
Case number: HQ09X02941

About Mark Thomson, solicitor to the family of Jade Goody:

Mark specialises in all aspects of media law, including defamation, confidence, privacy and copyright and acts for both claimants and defendants. He also practices in the areas of copyright and passing off and does media regulatory work.

Chambers and Partners 2009 said “Dynamic Mark Thomson is simply wonderful on prominent libel and privacy actions and knows the law like the back of his hand”. Legal 500 have rated Mark as a Leading Individual in Defamation and Privacy for the last 6 years.

Atkins Thomson’s clients include Jay Jopling, Sir Michael Parkinson, Naomi Campbell, Lily Allen, Sienna Miller, Duncan Bannatyne, Ed Buxton,  Kelly Hoppen, Sir Martin Sorrell, WPP,  James McAvoy, Michael Sheen, Tony and Cherie Blair and family, Michael Jackson, Josh Hartnett, Patsy Kensit , Kate Beckinsale, David Soul, Anna Richardson, Nica Burns, Cat Deeley, Sir Norman Rosenthal.  

Chambers Directory 2009 says about Atkins Thomson ''A skilled team of experts that show flair for the tricky stuff.''

Press Release Contact Information:
Mark Thomson
Atkins Thomson
41 Maiden Lane
London, England
United Kingdom WC2E 7LJ
Voice: +44(0)207 836 9300
E-Mail:  shelley@atkinsthomson.com
Website:  www.atkinsthomson.com
Emergency Contact
07812 166734

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A boutique law firm in Covent Garden, London, England. concentrating on defamation, privacy, media law, intellectual property and media litigation as well as commercial, property, business, matrimonial and private client work.