4 h, oct 27, 2020 y - MEDIA COVERAGE 27 October 2020 Johnny Depp's Judgement Day Verdict in Libel Case Against The Sun to be Handed Down Next Monday

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FROM THE MIRROR:

Johnny Depp to receive verdict in 'wife beater' libel case next Monday

Johnny Depp sued the publisher of the Sun newspaper over a 2018 article which alleged he was violent towards ex wife Amber Heard

By Lucy Needham

Johnny Depp will find out next week the outcome of his blockbuster libel case.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star took the Sun newspaper to court over a 2018 article which labelled him a "wife beater" and alleged he was violent to ex-wife Amber Heard - claims he denies.

Depp sued the tabloid's publisher News Group Newspapers (NGN) and its executive editor Dan Wootton over the article.

The trial of his libel claim garnered worldwide attention as it unfolded over three weeks in July at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

Mr Depp, 57, will find out the outcome of his case on Monday 2 November as trial judge Mr Justice Nicol delivers his long-awaited ruling.

Both Depp and Ms Heard, 34, attended the trial which featured high drama, claims of brutal violence and sensational revelations about their tempestuous relationship.

The court heard evidence over 16 days from both stars, friends and relatives of the couple and several former and current employees.

Mr Depp spent around 20 hours in the witness box over five days.

The actor was quizzed over his Hollywood lifestyle, booze and drugs, allegations of violence and his celebrity friendships.

n closing arguments, the actor's barrister David Sherborne said Mr Depp's case argued his case.

He said: "What is important to Mr Depp is clearing his name of these appalling allegations, expanded on as it has been over the last four years, as a result of which he has lost nothing less than everything, he would say.

"When I say he has lost everything, to him obviously everything is his reputation. This is not about money, this is vindicating him."

Sasha Wass QC, for NGN, counter argued as she put the newspaper's case forward.

She said: "No doubt that Mr Depp regularly and systematically abused his wife.

"The characterisation that he is a wife-beater is entirely truthful."

Mr Justice Nicol will give his ruling at 10am on Monday.

The judgment will be delivered remotely.

Here are some of the key moments in the case...[see links below]

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