SINGLE MOTHER FACING DEFAMATION CASE

I am a hard working single mother who is fighting a claim of defamation made against me by a builder. This has caused me huge financial, psychological and emotional distress already however I feel morally obliged to continue to find the strength and courage to fight against the perpetrator to ensure justice. I refuse to be silenced where others have been before me.

My story
I hired a builder to fit a shower enclosure for me in May 2020. He did the job poorly and caused a leak. Part of the contract was a 12 month guarantee. He returned twice however became more agitated and aggressive to the point I felt anxious in my own home and refused to accept there was an issue and wanted to charge me more to do additional work. Sadly he refused to return a third time despite the leak becoming worse and causing damage to the ceiling downstairs and I had to pay significant additional costs to put the job right. I reached out to be compensated for the repairs however he refused and became aggressive blaming me for his poor work.

I wrote some factual reviews detailing the experience, however he has brought a claim against me for defamation.

What is defamation?

A defamation claim is a claim brought in a civil court for publications which are said to cause serious hard to someone's reputation. I am defending my statements as I strongly believe they were made in the public interest to warn others of my experience with this builder. Since posting my reviews, other women have come forward to recount similar experiences with said builder however were not brave enough to share their experiences through fear.

What has happened so far

The builder has sent me a letter (which barely complied with legal protocols) from his solicitor where I was encouraged to find legal representation and ordered to comply with a series of demands within 4 days. This included payment of his legal costs, removal of statements made, public apologies and to undertake not to make any further statements regarding my experience. I have spent a few thousand pounds defending myself already but can't afford to go on which means I would have to give up and surrender to his demands.

What is the next step in the case? 

My solicitor has responded letting the builder know we will not meet his demands legal proceedings have now commenced against me.

How much are we trying to raise and why? 

The initial target is £1,200 - that should help fund the next stage of the process which would involve creating a defence however the total cost of this case could stretch into the £20,000 - £50,000 if this goes to civil court.

What are we trying to achieve? 

Protecting our community and the people within out community is hugely important and I am passionate about not letting this happen to anyone else therefore as mentioned before, I have a moral obligation to defend my statements and prevent this from happening to anyone else. We must fight against the ability for perpetrators to silence those who are unable to financially access justice and of course oppressors who think it is OK to silence vulnerable people in their own homes. This isn't about me anymore. This is about doing the right thing and ensuring that he is unable to do this to anyone else going forward.

I recognise there are lots of much more deserving cases out there and in the current economic situation, I understand many people will not be in a position to help but I'd like to thank you very much for your time in reading this and if you can't donate, I would appreciate it if you can share.

With very best regards

P (I can't disclose my name here sadly)