Mark Henderson acts for former Coronation Street Actor Qasim Akhtar in successful Defamation claim against The Sun

Former Coronation Street Actor Qasim Akhtar has succeeded in his High Court defamation claim against News Group Newspapers, publishers of The Sun newspaper. Mark Henderson, instructed by Daniel Taylor and Jay Joshi at Taylor Hampton, acted for Qasim. 

The Sun had falsely alleged that Qasim had backed an Islamic cleric, and that through that association he had supported extremism, radicalisation and violence. It also falsely alleged that he had moved to Pakistan and undertaken firearms training.

The claim was settled following exchange of pleadings. The Sun has published an apology to Qasim, agreed to pay him substantial damages and his legal costs, and undertaken not to repeat the allegations. It will also join Qasim in a statement in open court, for which the High Court has granted permission. 

Following the conclusion of the action, Qasim Akhtar stated the following:

Lastly, I’d like to give a special show of appreciation to my legal team, Taylor Hampton Solicitors, in particular Daniel Taylor, Jay Joshi, Joshua Maurice and my barrister from Doughty Street Chambers, Mark Henderson. None of this would have been possible without them. From start to finish, the professionalism, dedication, intricate attention to detail, communication throughout and execution in this case was nothing short of outstanding. Seriously, they exceeded all of my expectations. True experts in defamation law. Words do no justice for how pleased I am with this outcome, which you worked so tirelessly to attain for me. Thank you so much.