Noel Clarke libel case: a resounding victory for the Guardian, women and the law

‘Yes it was a “good day for the Guardian, for media in the public interest, and for women” – but it was also a good day for the judiciary.’ Photograph: Ben Whitley/PA

While I wholeheartedly agree that the Guardian deserves credit for defending the Noel Clarke libel case, Katharine Viner misses a vital component in her conclusion (The Noel Clarke judgment is a victory for the brave women who told us their stories – and for journalism, 22 August).

Yes it was a “good day for the Guardian, for media in the public interest, and for women” – but it was also a good day for the judiciary. Without confidence in the integrity of our court system, the risks of pursuing the case to a conclusion may well have been stacked against you. Mrs Justice Steyn gave a resounding condemnation of Clarke’s behaviour and upheld the accuracy of the stories published. Well done her, the Guardian and the women who bravely told their stories.
Anne King
Lynton, Devon