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About defamation lawyers

About Defamation Lawyers

Cohen Davis solicitors: internet law, personal support

At Cohen Davis Solicitors, we blend cutting edge legal understanding of the digital world with real empathy. Since our founding by Yair Cohen—an internet-savvy lawyer who began as a coder and developer over twenty years ago—we have focused on delivering meaningful outcomes to people whose online lives are under threat. Our specialist network—DefamationLawyer.co.uk, HarassmentLawyer.co.uk, InternetLawCentre.co.uk, ARightToBeForgotten.co.uk and PronLawyer.co.uk means clients receive precise help from experts across domains: defamation, harassment, privacy and reputation, and the right to be forgotten.

Our story

Born in 2013, our firm has carved itself a unique niche. Armed with both deep legal training and deep technical know how, Yair Cohen built the UK’s first firms solely focused on internet law. Since then, we’ve set precedent in cases involving Facebook disclosure orders, Instagram injunctive service, defamation, harassment and data protection. Our firm remains small, allowing us to offer close knit, impactful support without ever overpromising.

Case highlights

We have stood beside individuals facing some of the most complex and distressing online attacks. These examples illustrate the range and impact of our work:

Belafonte v Mel B (Scary Spice)

We represented Stephen Belafonte in a number of defamation and family law cases against news publishes and his s ex wife, Mel B. Her emergency non molestation order, granted without notice in June 2024, was overturned after we demonstrated major factual and procedural flaws. All orders were discharged and costs awarded against Mel B (a rare outcome in such proceedings).

Sweet Bobby (Kirat Assi v Simran Kaur Bhogal)

This landmark catfishing case saw our client deceived for nearly a decade. After many firms declined to act, we took it on under a no win no fee agreement. The case ended with an apology, damages and settlement in 2021, setting precedent for catfishing litigation. It later became the subject of the Sweet Bobby podcast and a Netflix documentary.

David Paisley v Graham Linehan

We represented David Paisley, an actor and LGBT rights activist, in a defamation dispute against writer and activist Graham Linehan, most known as the creator of comedies such as Father Ted. The case drew significant attention because of the public profiles of both men.

Defamation cases against the police

We have successfully pursued a number of defamation claims brought against police forces, including cases where inaccurate or damaging statements by officers caused serious harm to individuals. These actions required careful navigation of public authority accountability and have resulted in apologies and payment of damages to our clients.

Frankie Rzucek v Alan Vinnicombe – YouTube harassment

Acting for a US client, we challenged a conspiracy theorist whose content devastated a grieving family. Our persistence led to the unprecedented closure of a YouTube channel following a UK defamation and harassment ruling.

Lindsey Goldrick Dean v Paul Curran

After 13 years of sustained harassment, we secured a High Court victory with damages and an injunction, bringing long awaited justice and protection. This remains one of the longest running online harassment cases in the country.

Charlie Mullins OBE: Honours forfeiture attempt

We represented Charlie Mullins OBE, founder of Pimlico Plumbers, when the Honours Forfeiture Committee considered revoking his award over a handful of social media comments he had posted, which it seems some members of the government did not like. There was no crime, only personal opinions. Our work ensured that an unfair attempt to strip him of his honour was defeated and his reputation safeguarded.

Jack Aaronson v Marcus Stones Aka Mickey Taylor

We acted for entrepreneur Jack Aaronson in proceedings involving serious online defamation. Harmful and false allegations had been spread widely online, threatening both his reputation and business interests. Through a strategic mix of urgent court applications and negotiation, we achieved swift removal of the defamatory material and ensured his professional standing was restored. These are just a few examples of how we combine legal expertise, digital insight and determination to protect clients when it matters most.

Why Our Clients Trust Us

We simplify complex problems. We balance legal rigour with sensitivity, always keeping our clients’ wellbeing in focus. Whether removing defamatory material, ending harassment, clearing online reputations or protecting honours, we are calm, direct and relentless in pursuit of justice.

A client once said: “My future happiness depended on the work of this company and they more than delivered.” Another client feedback is that: “I was directed to the Cohen Team from another lawyer… From moment one, the lawyers and their staff were courteous and attentive. I felt heard and understood every step of the way.” A further client shared: “Thank you very much for all your hard work and support during that difficult time … our lovely Ruzina was a great support throughout the case.” Clients have also described our team as “A great, hardworking, dynamic, effective and proactive team,” praising the way we “take time to explain every step in plain English.”

Others highlight that “soon after I appointed Cohen Davis to act for me they swiftly had the material removed at source,” and that “hey not only understood the critical importance of my online presence as an entrepreneur and as an individual but acted in swift and decisive way.” Such feedback reflects the trust we build by combining expertise with empathy. If online harm is affecting your life or livelihood, you do not have to face it alone.

Contact us today and take the first step towards reclaiming your reputation and peace of mind.

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