The charge libelled in any prosecution where an accused has inhaled solvent will depend on the circumstances.
That goes certainly some distance, but it does not affect the person who is libelled.
That would rehabilitate the personal character, no doubt, of the person libelled, but would not recompense him for any pecuniary loss he had suffered.
Many of those it libelled could not afford to bring an action—as the prurient, puritanical editor well knew.
I do not anticipate, therefore, that situations will arise where the aggravation was not libelled.
Paying £10,000 to the poor person who has been libelled will pale into insignificance and will go down as a small business expense.
It is bad luck if a man is libelled after he is dead and cannot answer back.
After all, a newspaper need have no fear of being libelled if it sticks to the facts and the truth.
