Seray-Wurie v The Charity Commission of England and Wales

Facts

Dr Seray-Wurie was a trustee and former chair of the East End Citizens' Advice Bureaux, a registered charity. On 24 August 2007 the Charity Commission of England and Wales published on its website an inquiry report into EECAB. Dr Seray-Wurie complained that the report, and in particular paragraphs 15 and 16, was defamatory of him in implying that he had abused his position as trustee and chair and was guilty of serious offences of fraud and dishonesty; those paragraphs recorded that he had taken decisions unilaterally without the full involvement of the other trustees, and that he had authorised the use of the charity's funds to pay for legal advice which he had then failed to pass to the charity. On 5 February 2008 he issued a claim form for libel, breach of human rights, discrimination, harassment, abuse and misuse of power. The Commission applied to strike out the claim and for summary judgment. Eady J heard the application on 17 April 2008 and, handing down judgment on 23 April 2008, struck out the claim, entered summary judgment for the Commission and ordered Dr Seray-Wurie to pay its costs subject to detailed assessment. Smith LJ refused permission to appeal on the papers, and on the renewed application adjourned to allow further particulars of malice and documents to be filed.