Manchester bombing survivors win harassment case against conspiracy theorist
Two survivors of the Manchester Arena attack, Martin Hibbert and his daughter Eve, have won a harassment case. They sued conspiracy theorist Richard Hall. Hall had falsely claimed the 2017 attack was a hoax, despite no evidence.
The Hibberts took legal action against Hall for harassment and data protection. Their case went to trial in July.
High Court judge Mrs Justice Steyn found Hall guilty of harassment. She said his actions, like publishing false claims and secretly filming the Hibberts, were wrong. The judge called Hall’s behavior “oppressive” and said it caused the Hibberts a lot of distress.
Key Takeaways
- Manchester Arena attack survivors Martin Hibbert and Eve Hibbert won a harassment case against conspiracy theorist Richard Hall.
- Hall had falsely claimed that the 2017 Manchester bombing was an “elaborate hoax” by the British government.
- The High Court judge ruled that Hall’s actions, including publishing false claims and secretly filming the Hibberts, amounted to harassment.
- The judge stated that Hall’s conduct was “oppressive, unacceptable, and of sufficient gravity to sustain criminal liability.”
- The legal victory of the Hibberts sends a clear message against publishing unfounded claims and conspiracy theories about tragic events.
Manchester Arena Attack: The Aftermath
The 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, carried out by Islamist terrorist Salman Abedi, left a devastating impact on the survivors. Martin Hibbert and his daughter Eve were among those closest to Abedi when he detonated the bomb. Martin suffered 22 shrapnel wounds, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down and grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eve, just 14 years old at the time, sustained a “catastrophic” brain injury and requires full-time care, also experiencing PTSD and depression.
Life-Changing Injuries and Trauma
The attack has had a profound and life-changing impact on the Hibbert family, as well as countless others. Martin Hibbert has since raised over £900,000 for the Spinal Injuries Association, showing his resilience and determination to support others affected by the tragedy. However, the physical and mental scars remain, as the Hibberts and other survivors continue to grapple with the aftermath of the manchester arena attack.
Disturbingly, research by King’s College London reveals that among 4,000 surveyed individuals, one in five did not believe the victims’ accounts of the attack, and one in seven had doubts about the occurrence of major terror attacks. This highlights the harmful impact of conspiracy theories and misinformation, which the Hibberts and other survivors are now seeking to address through legal action.
“The attack has had a profound and life-changing impact on the survivors, both physically and mentally.”
Manchester bombing survivors win harassment case against conspiracy theorist
Two survivors of the Manchester Arena attack, Martin Hibbert and his daughter Eve Hibbert, have won a harassment case. They sued conspiracy theorist Richard Hall. The trial in July focused on Hall’s constant harassment and false claims about the 2017 bombing.
Testimony showed Hall’s actions caused the Hibberts a lot of distress. Mr. Hibbert was hit by shrapnel and Miss Hibbert suffered a severe brain injury. Both have life-changing injuries and ongoing trauma.
“The judge’s ruling sends a very clear message to people who think they have the right to publish absurd, harmful, unfounded allegations against others, particularly those who have already suffered from high-profile tragedies.”
High Court judge Mrs Justice Steyn said Hall was “blinkered” in his beliefs. She called his actions “oppressive, unacceptable, and serious enough to be criminal.” This ruling is key in holding conspiracy theorists accountable for their harm.
The Hibberts’ win is a testament to their strength and determination. It shows the resilience of Manchester bombing survivors. This ruling also makes it clear that spreading harmful misinformation and harassment won’t be accepted.
Court Ruling: A Victory for Victims
In a big win, Martin Hibbert and his daughter Eve have won their case against Richard Hall. High Court judge Mrs Justice Steyn ruled that Hall’s actions were wrong. He published a book and videos saying the Manchester bombing was a hoax and secretly filmed the Hibberts.
Judge’s Findings and Consequences
The judge said Hall’s actions caused the Hibberts a lot of distress. This ruling is a big win for them. It shows that spreading false claims about tragedy victims won’t be allowed.
“The judge’s findings and the court’s ruling are a significant victory for the victims of the Manchester Arena attack and a clear rebuke of those who seek to spread false, hurtful narratives,” said Martin Hibbert.
The Hibberts sued Hall for harassment and misuse of private information. The judge’s decision highlights the harm conspiracy theories and harassment can cause. Victims and their families already face huge trauma.
This ruling is a strong message. It shows the justice system won’t let malicious lies and harassment go unpunished. It helps victims and their families heal and rebuild after such tragic events.
Conclusion
The Manchester bombing survivors won a big case against conspiracy theorist Richard Hall. This victory is a big win for their right to privacy and safety from online abuse. It brings some justice and closure to the Hibbert family, who suffered so much from the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.
The court’s decision is clear: spreading harmful, false claims about those who have faced big tragedies is not okay. This ruling could lead to changes in the law to protect others from similar situations. It means victims of such terrible events can start to heal without the extra pain of harassment and false information.
The survivors of the Manchester bombing are still dealing with the lasting effects of that day. But this court ruling is a big step towards healing. It shows their strength and the justice system’s ability to protect the vulnerable.
FAQ
What was the outcome of the harassment case brought by Manchester bombing survivors against a conspiracy theorist?
Martin Hibbert and his daughter Eve, survivors of the Manchester Arena attack, won their case against Richard Hall. Hall had falsely claimed the 2017 attack was a hoax. The attack killed 22 people and injured hundreds.
What were the details of the court ruling?
Judge Mrs Justice Steyn found Hall’s actions to be harassment. He published false claims and secretly filmed the Hibberts. The judge said Hall’s actions were “oppressive” and caused the Hibberts a lot of distress.
What was the impact of the Manchester Arena attack on the Hibbert family?
Martin Hibbert was left paralyzed from the waist down and has PTSD. His daughter Eve, 14 at the time, has a severe brain injury and needs full-time care. Both suffer from PTSD and depression.
What is the significance of this court ruling?
The ruling warns those who spread false, harmful claims. It brings justice to the Hibberts and could lead to law changes. It helps protect others from similar suffering.
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