Hobbs legal threat halts printing of 'Village'

Village magazine yesterday stopped the printing of the issue due in newsagents today because of what it said was threatened …

Village magazine yesterday stopped the printing of the issue due in newsagents today because of what it said was threatened legal action from Eddie Hobbs, presenter of television series Rip-Off Ireland.

The magazine said it was to publish an investigation into Mr Hobbs's record as a financial adviser while with the Taylor Investment group from 1993 to 1994.

The article was e-mailed to Mr Hobbs on Wednesday evening to allow him to respond.

He replied on Thursday morning. Village incorporated suggestions he made and was publishing his reply in full, according to the magazine.

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Then after the magazine had gone to press, Mr Hobbs e-mailed saying he had consulted a lawyer.

In further exchanges he threatened legal action if the magazine proceeded as it had intended. The magazine said it had halted printing to enable it to take independent advice, to redraft the article if necessary, and to disclose in full its dealings with Mr Hobbs.

"Village will, therefore, not be on sale until Saturday morning, but that issue will contain all the relevant material concerning Mr Hobbs," the magazine said.

Mr Hobbs declined to comment last night.