A Romanian man accused by the News of the World of plotting to
kidnap Victoria Beckham has lost his appeal against a High Court libel
decision in May.
kidnap Victoria Beckham has lost his appeal against a High Court libel
decision in May.
He sued under the name Alin Turcu, but his real
name is Bogdan Maris, and claimed that he was “set-up” by the News of
the World in November 2002 and had not been part of a five-man gang
plotting to kidnap the singer.
name is Bogdan Maris, and claimed that he was “set-up” by the News of
the World in November 2002 and had not been part of a five-man gang
plotting to kidnap the singer.
Penniless Turcu did not appear in court in May or
offer any statement of evidence. He was represented by lawyer David
Price on a no-win, no fee basis.
offer any statement of evidence. He was represented by lawyer David
Price on a no-win, no fee basis.
The court heard in May that Turcu was a petty
criminal with a string of convictions and decided that the NoW’s
original story was true.
criminal with a string of convictions and decided that the NoW’s
original story was true.
After taking the case to the Court of Appeal Lord Justice Keene made an
order refusing Turcu permission to take the NoW again to court saying there was
“no realistic prospect of a successful appeal”.
order refusing Turcu permission to take the NoW again to court saying there was
“no realistic prospect of a successful appeal”.
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