I am struggling to find the words to describe how I feel but further to the judgement handed down today I would like to make the following brief statement;
I am absolutely devastated by this judgement and I believe it is a miscarriage of justice. I would never have embarked on fifteen months of litigation and endured a six day trial in the High Court if I had not felt entirely justified in my action.
I have always acted in good faith, my motives have always been honest and sincere and have merely criticised the council where I felt it appropriate, and have never had a complaint until the counter claim was issued.
I want to thank everyone for their support. I am now in discussions with my lawyers concerning the possibility of an appeal.
This has potentially opened the floodgates for similar actions and I believe this judgement has dire consequences for others who publicly scrutinise and criticise their local authority, including the press.
I do not recognise the picture which has been painted of me, anybody who knows me or has met me will know that it is wrong.
I have no idea where I'm going to get £25,000 from, I haven't got £25. I am lost for words at the kind offers of financial help but this is my problem and it would not be right to accept such kind generosity.
I am trying to remain positive and will try and continue with my blog and calls for transparency as best I can under the circumstances.
Once again, thank you all for your kind words and support.
Jacqui
