Which court decided it?

Court of Appeal in 2001. Neutral citation: [2001] EWCA Civ 1233.

Why does it matter for UK journalists?

Course of conduct amounting to harassment under PHA 1997 s.1 can be constituted by press articles. The public-interest defence under PHA 1997 s.1(3)(c) is available but requires proportionate justification. Balance with Article 10 must be applied.

Thomas v News Group Newspapers Ltd

[2001] EWCA Civ 1233 — Court of Appeal, 2001

Last reviewed: 14 July 2026Next review due: 14 January 2027

What the court held

The Court of Appeal held that repeated hostile press coverage of an individual could constitute harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Established that the PHA can be engaged by press activity, subject to a public-interest defence.

Key rulings

Course of conduct amounting to harassment under PHA 1997 s.1 can be constituted by press articles.
The public-interest defence under PHA 1997 s.1(3)(c) is available but requires proportionate justification.
Balance with Article 10 must be applied.

Topics

Harassmentprotection-from-harassmentpress-freedom

Acts cited

Protection from Harassment Act 1997

Authoritative source

Read the full judgment on BAILII (British and Irish Legal Information Institute):

https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2001/1233.html

Case summaries are drafted by UK JournoHub Editorial for practising UK journalists. They are not legal advice. Always consult primary sources and, for high-risk stories, take specialist legal advice.