Mitchell ordered to pay £300k costs after losing High Court case

The Sun newspaper has hailed its victory over Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell in the 'Plebgate' libel case.

It claimed the ex-Government chief whip's defeat would cost him £3 million in costs.

The disagreement over a brief angry exchange between Andrew Mitchell and Downing Street police has ended two years later in a devastating High Court judgement for the former government chief whip.

While Mr Mitchell has been ordered to pay initial costs of £300,000 after his libel action defeat, as ITV News Political Correspondent Carl Dinnen reports, it is estimated the 'Plebgate' case could end up costing him £3 million.

• Mitchell 'bitterly disappointed' after 'miserable two years'

The defeat of Andrew Mitchell's libel action against News Group Newspapers over the 'Plebgate' incident is a "vindication" for The Sun and its journalists, the newspaper's managing editor has said.

• Judge 'satisfied' Mitchell used 'politically toxic word'

Former Conservative MP Louise Mensch has strongly criticised a judge's decision to find against Andrew Mitchell in his libel action over The Sun's reporting of the 'Plebgate' incident, describing it as an "appalling miscarriage of justice".

Ms Mensch, who is a Sun on Sunday columnist, tweeted:

• Mitchell 'bitterly disappointed' after 'miserable two years'

The police officer at the centre of the Plebgate row has said the "pain" of going through the courts "has been indescribable" after a judge found in his favour over Andrew Mitchell.

Speaking outside the High Court, PC Toby Rowland said he had "huge regret" that "what happened at the gates of Downing Street more than two years ago ended up here".

He said he and his team had tried "everything possible" to avoid court action.

"I am delighted that here again my innocence, integrity and reputation as a police officer has been recognised," he added.

PC Rowland also called for a "line to be drawn" over the incident.

The overall costs of Andrew Mitchell's failed 'Plebgate' libel battle have been put at £3 million, court sources have told the Press Association.

• Andrew Mitchell ordered to pay £300,000 interim costs

Former Government chief whip Andrew Mitchell has said he is "bitterly disappointed" to have lost his High Court libel action over the "Plebgate" incident.

Speaking outside the High Court, Mr Mitchell said the verdict came after a "miserable two years".

The MP, who has been ordered to pay interim costs of £300,000, said he now wanted to "bring this matter to a close and and get on with our lives".

After the ruling PC Toby Rowland said he hoped a "line can be drawn and everyone can be left in peace".

Former Government chief whip Andrew Mitchell has been ordered to pay interim costs of £300,000 after he lost his High Court libel action over the "Plebgate" incident.

The Police Federation of England and Wales has said it is "pleased" Mr Justice Mitting has ruled in PC Toby Rowland's favour after Andrew Mitchell lost his High Court libel action over the "Plebgate incident".

PC Rowland sued Andrew Mitchell for libel over statements accusing him of fabricating the alleged verbal abuse at Downing Street in 2012.

Former government chief whip Mitchell lost his libel action against News Group Newspapers over The Sun's reporting of the "Plebgate" incident.

Andrew Mitchell would have avoided the personally and financially devastating verdict in his High Court libel action if he had shown a "scintilla of humility", his fellow Conservative MP Michael Fabricant has tweeted.