1910 - 'The Equinox'

KINGS BENCH DIVISION

"THE EQUINOX"

Jones V The Looking Glass Publishing Company (Limited) And Others

(Before Mr. Justice Scrutton and a Common Jury.)

This was an action for damages for an alleged libel appearing in the Looking Glass of November 26, 1910, which commenced yesterday and concluded today. The action was brought by Mr. George Cecil Jones, a consulting chemist, against the publishers, editor, and printers of the paper known as The Looking Glass, in respect of certain statements connecting him with one Crowley, who was alleged to be a person of disgraceful and criminal character, who was alleged to be the founder of a sect styled "The Equinox".

Mr. Simmons appeared for the plaintiff; Mr. Shiller represented the publishers; and Mr. Rowlands appeared for the printers. His Lordship said that as regards some of the accusations against Crowley no evidence had been offered, but it had been shown that he wrote, published, and advertised literature of a most disgusting character and conduct. He should leave them three questions :-

1. Were the words and statements complained of defamatory of the plaintiff?

2. If yes,were the statements of fact substantially true?

3. If yes, were the comments founded on those statements of fact fair?

The jury answered all three questions in the affirmitive, and on those findings judgement was entered for the defendants. Solicitors :- Bullock and Co.; S.B. Gottlieb; White and Leonard.