The BMJ wins libel case brought by gynaecologist

A High Court judge has dismissed a claim from a gynaecologist who sought damages from The BMJ for defamation after his fitness to practise case was reported in the journal. The BMJ reported the rulings of the High Court and the new hearing in articles published in May 20172 and November 2018.3 In his claim against The BMJ Onwude alleged that the references to his being “struck off” were untrue because whenever a tribunal rules for erasure the doctor has 28 days to appeal the decision. The BMJ’s editor in chief, Fiona Godlee, and its legal correspondent, Clare Dyer, defended the coverage of the case on the grounds that it was a fair and accurate report of the case and in the public interest.