Statement on behalf of CCC Nuacht regarding The Liberal

The Dock

“My client CCC.Nuacht Teo agreed terms with Mr Leo Sherlock to settle an action against him for copyright infringement involving TheLiberal.ie.

Those proceedings arose out of articles entirely written by my client’s reporters which were copied and published on TheLiberal.ie without license or payment. These articles were reports of criminal proceedings written by expert court reporters who attended the criminal proceedings reported on. In its work, my client has consistently championed greater public access to court proceedings, even to the point where CCC Nuacht has brought legal proceedings to challenge reporting restrictions.

My client is proud of its record of ensuring decisions taken in Irish courts are disseminated to the public in a fair, accurate and unbiased manner.

The settlement terms with Mr Sherlock include that he publish an apology to my client, in agreed terms and as a news story at the top of the main page of TheLiberal.ie website.

The proceedings against Mr Sherlock were adjourned to Ardee District Court on 11 September 2017 for implementation of them. My client is considering its position and in light of the fact that the proceedings remain before the court, will not make any further comment.”

Rossa McMahon

PG McMahon solicitors