An Aer Lingus Pilot has been awarded €202,500 after defamatory and false emails were made about him by the Irish Aviation Authority.
The Judge said the background to the appeal arose from emails sent in 2013 by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).
They insinuated that Captain Higgins had flown a microlight aircraft unauthorised and would not get away “scot free”, despite him having acted entirely correctly.
Captain Higgins launched defamation proceedings six years ago, as a result, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) admitted liability and offered to make an apology and to make amends.
The Judge concluded this case fell into the third category of serious defamation and that €175,000 was appropriate general damages.
Therefore, the allegations and conduct of the Irish Aviation Authority in its defence aggravated the injury to Captain Higgins and warranted €50,000 for aggravated damages.
- Very moderate defamation attracts awards between zero and €50,000
- Median cases between €50,000 and €120,000
- Serious defamation between €125,000 and €199,000
View more about the legal side of defamation here
If you have been defamed and feel that you deserve compensation, feel free to speak to our specialist solicitors on 1800 54 54 54 or email info@hoc.ie
