Man on eBay is sued by seller after posting 'negative feedback'
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When Chris Read bought a mobile phone through online auction site eBay, it was described as being in good condition.
But when it arrived a few days later, he was disappointed to find it was not only damaged but also the wrong model.
After returning his purchase and receiving a refund from the seller, Joel Jones, he used the website's feedback section - which can be read by other people - to give his honest opinion of the transaction.
'Item was scratched, chipped and not the model advertised on Mr Jones' eBay account,' he wrote, assuming it was the end of the matter.
But in what is believed to be a legal first in the UK if the case is brought to court, he has now received an email threatening him with legal action for libel.
Mr Jones claims the unfavourable comments have damaged his business's reputation and affected trade.
The legal missive goes on to warn Mr Read that if he fails to retract his comments he will be dragged to court where he faces costs, lawyers' fees and damages.
Father-of-five Mr Read said yesterday: 'I can't believe someone can be so petty. I only wanted to buy a phone.'
But when it arrived a few days later, he was disappointed to find it was not only damaged but also the wrong model.
After returning his purchase and receiving a refund from the seller, Joel Jones, he used the website's feedback section - which can be read by other people - to give his honest opinion of the transaction.
'Item was scratched, chipped and not the model advertised on Mr Jones' eBay account,' he wrote, assuming it was the end of the matter.
But in what is believed to be a legal first in the UK if the case is brought to court, he has now received an email threatening him with legal action for libel.
Mr Jones claims the unfavourable comments have damaged his business's reputation and affected trade.
The legal missive goes on to warn Mr Read that if he fails to retract his comments he will be dragged to court where he faces costs, lawyers' fees and damages.
Father-of-five Mr Read said yesterday: 'I can't believe someone can be so petty. I only wanted to buy a phone.'
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