STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FROM 3 EX-DEFENDANTS
Three years ago we stopped fighting this libel action. Under the green
form legal aid scheme, we only got two hours of free legal advice to help
fight the case. That advice was that it is extremely difficult to defend
and win a libel case at the best of times, but with no money and no legal
representation it would be virtually impossible.
It was quite likely that we would lose the case due to being unable
to meet the complicated procedural demands involved in libel laws.
To contest the case would therefore leave us open to being liable to pay
tens of thousands of pounds of legal costs and also damages and we could
then be declared bankrupt and any future income and assets could be seized
and given to McDonald's.
We were advised that costs were already likely to be several thousand
pounds, so when McDonald's said they would not pursue costs and damages
if we apologised we reluctantly consented to the statement of apology.
THIS WAS NOT BECAUSE WE BELIEVED THE FACTSHEET WAS UNTRUE.
We support Helen and Dave's decision to continue fighting this outrageous
and repressive case.
Having seen the legal and financial obstacles Helen and Dave have faced
we feel the advice we were given at the time was true. Libel laws are there
to protect the interests of the wealthy and powerful. They do not 'protect
the truth'.
JONATHAN O'FARRELL
ANDREW CLARKE
PAUL GRAVETT
