Particulars of justification that establish only the plaintiff's mere presence as a member of a group, without more, are incapable of supporting an imputation of culpability and will be struck out. The word 'party' in an imputation is a 'weasel word' that must be accompanied by a definition or specification of the degree of culpability alleged. The availability of a Polly Peck defence for less injurious imputations that are capable of arising from the words complained of and relate to the same charge remains arguable and will not be struck out on an interlocutory application.
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