The High Court, on appeal from the Circuit Court, determines that accusations of shoplifting directed by staff of an off-licence towards two women were defamatory. The court highlighted the failure of the defendant to follow their own shoplifting policy and the absence of key evidence, such as CCTV footage and witness testimonies, which could have clarified the events. The assessment of damages was adjourned.
Defamation, shoplifting accusation, appeal, High Court, Circuit Court, CCTV footage, witness testimony, Defamation Act 2009, identification, publication, defamatory statement, shop policy, damages, quantum.