Two directors and a member of staff at a Belfast company who suffered abuse and slurs on Facebook should receive a total of £35,000 in libel damages, a High Court judge ruled yesterday.
Mr Justice McCloskey made the award against an unidentified defendant who hid behind pseudonyms during an online campaign of vilification lasting months.
Even though those responsible for posting the comments and images remain unknown, the financial penalty will be enforced should they ever be identified.The firm was granted anonymity on the basis that any disclosure would only draw more unwanted public attention.
Although the case against Facebook Ireland Ltd was dismissed, proceedings continued against a second defendant known only by two pseudonyms.
With no appearance by the defendant, Mr Justice McCloskey held that defamation had been committed. "They are, of course, hiding behind a mask," the judge said.
He awarded £20,000 damages to the plaintiff who suffered the most distress and anxiety. The two others were awarded £10,000 and £5,000. The defendant must also pay legal costs if they are ever identified.