Case study
In 2021, Jon Wigmore was called on to review a complaint that the Wildheart Trust - and in particular Chris Packham as a Trustee - made false claims in its fundraising appeal for money to look after five former Circus tigers and two lions in its Isle of Wight Zoo. Jon found that the statements relating to rescuing the animals weren’t fraudulent [11] but made a recommendation for the charity to reflect on how it ‘communicates its role in rescue operations’ [12].
Jon's review was subsequently relied on by Mr Packham during the trial of a defamation claim, in which he sued three individuals in respect of articles published on the website of an online publication called Country Squire Magazine, and by way of social media including Twitter. Mr Packham's claim included their allegations that he made fraudulent statements during 2018 in order to raise money from the public to fund the Tigers’ journey from Spain to the Sanctuary, and for their subsequent care in their new home. The High Court cited and concurred with Jon’s judgment [151-5] and concluded that the claims against Chris Packham were indeed defamatory [206].
Sources:
https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/more-from-us/resources/external-review-our-casework-2021
https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Packham-v-Wightman-Judgment-250523.pdf
