When the Guardian was sued by the Doctor Who actor Noel Clarke, it called upon the services of Robin Shaw – one of the most cool-headed and skilful defamation lawyers of his generation. Shaw, who has died aged 66, had accumulated decades of experience in London’s libel courts defending Private Eye, the Guardian, the Mirror, the Daily Telegraph and other publishers. He secured landmark victories for freedom of speech and overturned oppressive privacy injunctions.
The case brought by Clarke against the Guardian involved a claim of £10m in damages – later sought to be raised to £70m – and a six-week trial at the high court. More than 20 women gave evidence.
