Jackson Smith is a well-known figure who works for an international company in the UAE. In 2010 he married Alana and they had a baby boy Louis the same year. However, in 2018 their marriage broke down and the couple went through a very acrimonious high-profile divorce. In February 2019 a British newspaper published an article online and in print entitled: ‘Victim of Domestic Abuse Faces Prison in the UAE’. The article referred to Alana Smith by name. The article alleged that Alana was a victim of domestic abuse and terrified for her life she left her partner and fled her UAE apartment with her son but has since been trapped in the country ever since as her ex-husband had extracted a campaign of intimidation and harassment against her. The article further alleged that her abusive husband used his influence with the UAE Authorities to obtain an indefinite travel ban on Alana and Louis.
Jackson has initiated a case of libel against the British newspaper in the British High Court. Critically assess what Section 1 of the Defamation Act 2013 protects, the purpose of the law of defamation and the defences available for the breach of the said Act.