Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 0760Defamation, privacy · Co. Dublin · 7 Apr 2016

Dermot Desmond defamation action against The Irish Times struck out

Dermot Desmond brought a defamation and privacy action against The Irish Times in July 2016 over an article published on 7 April 2016 relating to the Panama Papers, which was based on 11.5 million documents leaked from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca. The Irish Times denied the claims and relied on defences including publication in good faith for discussion of a subject of public interest. In June 2026, the High Court in Dublin struck out the case, with barrister John Maher appearing for The Irish Times.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court23 Jun
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Desmond claimed an article published on 7 April 2016 defamed him and invaded his privacy.
  • The article was based on 11.5 million documents leaked from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca containing financial information about offshore tax entities.
When
Desmond brought legal proceedings against The Irish Times in July 2016.
Where
The case was heard in the High Court in Dublin.
Investigation
The Irish Times denied the claims and relied on defences including publication in good faith for discussion of a subject of public interest.
In court
In June 2026, the High Court struck out the defamation and privacy action.
Other details
Barrister John Maher appeared for The Irish Times.
6 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe article was based on 11.5 million documents leaked from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatDesmond claimed the article published on 7 April 2016 defamed him. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe Irish Times denied the claims and relied on defences including publication in good faith for discussion of a subject of public interest. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenDesmond brought legal proceedings against The Irish Times in July 2016. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge made the order to strike out the case. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtBarrister John Maher appeared for The Irish Times. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 23 Jun2026
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Dermot Desmond defamation action against The Irish Times can be struck out, court told

    Reports that the settled defamation case was struck out by the High Court with no further order.

    victim, Dermot Desmond, male, irish (judged from name)Dermot Desmond