HALL -v- ALDRIDGE [No 3] [2026] WASC 11 (21 January 2026)

Last Updated: 21 January 2026

JURISDICTION : SUPREME COURT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

IN CIVIL

CITATION : HALL -v- ALDRIDGE [No 3] [2026] WASC 11

CORAM : SOLOMON J

HEARD : ON THE PAPERS

DELIVERED : 21 JANUARY 2026

FILE NO/S : CIV 1610 of 2022

BETWEEN : PATRICK VINCENT HALL

Plaintiff

AND

RICHARD CLIVE ALDRIDGE

Defendant

Injunction restraining further publication - Pre-judgment interest

Legislation:

Nil

Result:

Orders made

Category: B

Representation:

Counsel:

Plaintiff	:	Mr M L Bennett & Ms T Elder
Defendant	:	In Person

Solicitors:

Plaintiff	:	Bennett
Defendant	:	In Person

Case(s) referred to in decision(s):

SOLOMON J:

On 14 January 2026, I published reasons for judgment in this matter.[1]
These brief reasons accompany the publication of formal orders, in respect of which there was some contention between the parties.
The first issue concerns whether the orders should include an injunction restraining the defendant. The plaintiff sought injunctive relief. The defendant contends that he has not published any statement similar to the publications the subject of these proceedings, since the proceedings commenced in 2022.
For the reasons set out at [518] in the primary decision, I consider that an injunction remains appropriate. Further, although it may be that the defendant has not published statements to the effect of those the subject of the plaintiff’s action, from [210] in the primary reasons I set out conduct of the defendant undertaken after the issuing of these proceedings. That conduct lends support to the appropriateness for injunctive relief. Accordingly, orders for an injunction will be made.
The next issue for determination is that the plaintiff seeks pre‑judgment interest of 3% per annum from the date of the final publication, being the Tenth Publication, on 24 March 2022 until judgment.
This did not appear to be opposed by the defendant. Having regard to the relevant principles set out by Quinlan CJ in Jensen v Nationwide News Pty Ltd [No 13] [2019] WASC 451 (S), I consider that a discounted rate of 3% from the date of the final publication is appropriate. Accordingly, I shall make orders in those terms.

I certify that the preceding paragraph(s) comprise the reasons for decision of the Supreme Court of Western Australia.

MS

Associate to the Hon Justice Solomon

21 JANUARY 2026

[1] Hall v Aldridge [No 2] [2026] WASC 3.

Authorities Cited2

Referred to (2)