CVM Television Ltd. was successful in its appeal yesterday when the Court of Appeal reduced the jury's award of $20.8 million to $3.5 million for defamation to
Detective Sergeant Fabian Tewari. The award was made in May 2003 after the jury
found that Sgt. Tewari was defamed in a television broadcast on CVM on November
12, 1998.
Sgt. Tewari said the words in their natural meaning meant and were understood to mean that he was involved in the fatal shooting of a man in Braeton, St. Catherine.
POLICEMAN
HURT
He said he was not present when the shooting took place and his reputation as a policeman was seriously damaged and he suffered considerable distress.
CVM had claimed qualified privilege but the jury ruled in favour of Sgt. Tewari.
CVM appealed on the grounds that Mr. Justice Donald McIntosh misdirected the jury in certain issues vital to the defence. CVM asked the court to reduce the award.
The Court of Appeal dismissed CVM's appeal against liability but reduced the award on the basis that it was manifestly excessive.
