Mr Michael Reilly, a 62 year old civil engineer and native of Ballycullen, Mullinahone, Thurles, Co Tipperary, is suing Iconic Newspapers Ltd, which published an article on February 9th, 2016, which he claims defamed him, destroyed his professional reputation and left his family “treated like pariahs”.
A High Court jury has heard that Mr Reilly claims he was defamed when the “Kilkenny People” newspaper, owned by Iconic Newspapers Ltd, published a report on an uninsured driver, latter who was convicted in the local court, and who held the same name as himself.
Iconic Newspapers Ltd, which also includes the “Tipperary Star” publication amongst over 20 other publications; totally denies defamation; stating the published court report in question was entirely fair and accurate on the court proceedings, which also attracts legal privilege.
Frank Callanan SC, council for Mr Reilly, stated that the newspaper report published had stated that “Michael Reilly, Ballycullen, Mullinahone” had received a three-month suspended sentence at Kilkenny District Court for driving without insurance, fined €750 and was banned from driving for six years.
Mr Callanan further stated, that contrary to the published article, his client, was the only ‘Michael Reilly’ holding an address at ‘Ballycullen, Mullinahone, Thurles, Co. Tipperary’. Thus the article published had caused his client and his family, great distress and professional damage to their reputations.
The case continues before a jury and High Court Judge Ms Leonie Reynolds.
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