[redcalx]

The paper's that did that made clearly libellous claims - because the couple had not yet been charged with an offence when their names were published. Those paper's can now expect libel claims against them, although given the clear breach of libel law I expect they will wish to settle out of court rather than take on the extra expense of a court case they can't win.

[monochromatic]

I’m not too familiar with UK libel law. Is it not a defense that they were reporting on statements they were given? Is there a reasonableness question?

[DanBC]

There's a difference between saying "Mr and Mrs Bloggs were arrested in connection to the Gatwick drone chaos" and "ARE THESE THE MORONS WHO RUINED CHRISTMAS?" in 144pt font on the front page with a fuck-off huge photo of them.

http://suttonnick.tumblr.com/post/181330292801/hendopolis-ma...

But this newspaper probably won't have to pay out anything. They've been careful with their wording; they do this a lot; they have lawyers on staff; and defamation is difficult in the UK.

[abrowne]

AFAIK the police specifically didn't release the names.

[ams6110]

I thought there was an actually arrest made? Don't know about the UK, but in the US arrests are public record.

[redcalx]

As per a sibling comment, the names were leaked, they were not officially announced.