Source: OBSERVER

Former Chairman of the National Festivals Committee, Cliff Williams has won his right to appeal the case against former bodybuilder turned social activist, Mary John, who had previously been awarded damages in her prior claim.

Williams filed his appeal on the grounds of Defamation, Libel – The effect of a failure to file witness statements and the discretion of the trial judge to limit cross-examination.

It was contended that the award of $140,000 to John by way of general and aggravated damages was manifestly excessive.

​The justices overseeing the cases ruled that the decision of Justice Rosalyn Wilkinson be set aside in its entirety and the claim be retried by a different judge of the High Court.

Williams was also awarded prescribed costs in the court and two-thirds of those costs on appeal which allegedly amounted to $35,000.