An online “troll” who started a Facebook “hate campaign” which falsely accused an animal lover of kicking her dog has been forced to pay £100,000 in libel and harassment damages and costs.
Samantha Walker wrongly accused Kim Suttle, a care home manager, of beating her dog and posted a video on Facebook and YouTube which received more than 130,000 views. Ms Suttle received a ‘torrent’ of abuse online which lead to threats of violence and forced her to leave her job. The judge, Mr Justice Nicklin, awarded Ms Suttle £40,000 in general damages and £10,405 special damages and ordered Ms Walker to also pay the legal costs. He also granted a permanent injunction to prevent a repetition of the harassment and libels. The judgment can be found here.
Catrin Evans QC was instructed by Brett Wilson Solicitors and represented Ms Suttle.