In section 13 of the M1Civil Evidence Act 1968 (conclusiveness of convictions for purposes of defamation actions), in subsections (1) and (2) for “a person” substitute “ the plaintiff ” and for “that person” substitute “ he ”; and after subsection (2) insert—

“(2A)

In the case of an action for libel or slander in which there is more than one plaintiff—

(a)

the references in subsections (1) and (2) above to the plaintiff shall be construed as references to any of the plaintiffs, and

(b)

proof that any of the plaintiffs stands convicted of an offence shall be conclusive evidence that he committed that offence so far as that fact is relevant to any issue arising in relation to his cause of action or that of any other plaintiff.”.

In section 12 of the M2Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1968 (conclusiveness of convictions for purposes of defamation actions), in subsections (1) and (2) for “a person” substitute “ the pursuer ” and for “that person” substitute “ he ”; and after subsection (2) insert—

“(2A)

In the case of an action for defamation in which there is more than one pursuer—

(a)

the references in subsections (1) and (2) above to the pursuer shall be construed as references to any of the pursuers, and

(b)

proof that any of the pursuers stands convicted of an offence shall be conclusive evidence that he committed that offence so far as that fact is relevant to any issue arising in relation to his cause of action or that of any other pursuer.”.

In section 9 of the M3Civil Evidence Act (Northern Ireland) 1971 (conclusiveness of convictions for purposes of defamation actions), in subsections (1) and (2) for “a person” substitute “ the plaintiff ” and for “that person” substitute “ he ”; and after subsection (2) insert—

“(2A)

In the case of an action for libel or slander in which there is more than one plaintiff—

(a)

the references in subsections (1) and (2) to the plaintiff shall be construed as references to any of the plaintiffs, and

(b)

proof that any of the plaintiffs stands convicted of an offence shall be conclusive evidence that he committed that offence so far as that fact is relevant to any issue arising in relation to his cause of action or that of any other plaintiff.”.