Legal sector news

Shock jock to sue former Home Secretary

28/9/2009
US 'shock jock' Michael Savage has instructed Olswang media partner Dan Tench to launch libel proceedings against the former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, according to 'The Lawyer'.

In May the Home Office named Savage as one of 16 people banned from the UK because they had been characterised as 'preachers of hate'. The list included Mike Guzovsky, a Jewish militant said to be the leader of a violent group actively involved with military training camps.

Michael Savage is a right-wing political broadcaster with a San Francisco-based radio show. Justifying his inclusion on the list, Smith said Savage was "someone who has fallen into the category of fomenting hatred, of such extreme views and expressing them in such a way that it's actually likely to cause inter-community tension or even violence if that person were allowed into the country".

Savage has instructed Tench to seek a £100,000 settlement package from Smith for what he claims are libellous comments. If she fails to settle he will pursue Smith for damages through the High Court.

Last year Tench secured a High Court ruling on behalf of three national newspapers, including the Financial Times, which would give the media automatic access to court documents in judicial review cases.