In a resounding victory for truth and justice, two brave survivors of the tragic Manchester Arena bombing have won their high court harassment case against an individual who spread hurtful conspiracy theories about the attack. Martin and Eve Hibbert, a father and daughter who suffered life-altering injuries in the 2017 bombing, took legal action against former television producer Richard Hall for his baseless claims that “there was no bomb” and that the attack had been staged.
A Harrowing Ordeal
The Manchester Arena bombing, which occurred on May 22, 2017, claimed the lives of 22 innocent concertgoers and left countless others with physical and emotional scars. Among those standing closest to the attacker, Salman Abedi, were Martin Hibbert and his daughter Eve, then only 14 years old. The devastating blast left Martin paralyzed from the waist down, while Eve suffered a catastrophic brain injury caused by a bolt that struck her head.
Despite the overwhelming evidence and the conviction of Salman Abedi’s brother, Hashem Abedi, for assisting in the attack’s preparations, Richard Hall maintained his unfounded belief that the bombing was a hoax. He went so far as to film Eve Hibbert outside her home, causing immense distress to the family.
A Fight for Truth
Unwilling to let Hall’s baseless accusations go unchallenged, the Hibberts took their case to the High Court. During the three-and-a-half-day trial in July, Hall attempted to argue that his actions were in the public interest as a journalist and that “millions of people have bought a lie” about the attack.
“The primary evidence shows there was no bomb in that room that exploded,” Hall claimed in court, despite the overwhelming proof to the contrary.
However, the Hibberts’ legal team presented powerful evidence of the immense harm caused by Hall’s actions. As barrister Jonathan Price stated, the bomb had changed Martin Hibbert’s life “in every conceivable way,” leaving him with 22 shrapnel wounds and his daughter presumed dead at the scene due to her catastrophic injuries.
Justice Prevails
In a comprehensive 63-page judgment, Mrs. Justice Steyn ruled in favor of the Hibberts, finding that they had successfully won their harassment claim against Hall. The judge acknowledged the overwhelming evidence that Hall’s actions had caused Martin Hibbert significant “alarm, distress, and anxiety.”
“I am really pleased with not only the overall judgment but also the many comments of the judge as to how unacceptable Hall’s behavior was,” Martin Hibbert said following the ruling. “It is a comprehensive victory for us.”
The Hibberts’ triumph in court serves as a powerful reminder that the truth will ultimately prevail, even in the face of baseless conspiracy theories and harmful misinformation. It is a victory not only for the Hibberts but for all those affected by the Manchester Arena bombing, as well as for the principles of truth, justice, and compassion.
A Call for Change
Looking to the future, Martin Hibbert expressed his hope that this landmark case would pave the way for positive change and help protect others from enduring similar ordeals. He plans to work with his legal team at Hudgell Solicitors to establish a new law in his daughter Eve’s name, aiming to prevent such harassment and the spread of harmful misinformation in the future.
The Manchester Arena bombing survivors’ victory in this harassment case is a testament to their resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to the truth. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, the light of justice and compassion will always shine through.
