Manchester bombing 'disaster troll' asks fans for lawyer tip to fight civil case
A 'disaster troll' who is being sued by survivors of the Manchester Arena bombing after claiming it was faked has asked his fans to recommend a lawyer.
Martin and Eve Hibbert were left with severe disabilities following the 2017 tragedy, which saw 22 people killed during an Ariana Grande concert.
The father and daughter, from Heath Charnock, near Chorley, are bringing a civil claim against Richard D Hall for defamation and harassment.
It is the first such action against a conspiracy theorist in the UK.
Hall has targeted multiple victims of the tragedy, tracking them down to their homes or workplaces and claiming they are actors.
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He pedals theories online claiming several terror attacks were faked and describes 'tactics' in books and DVDs he's released.
In an email sent out to his subscribers - and seen by the Mirror - he said he has until June 1 to submit his legal defence.
Hall has released books and DVDs detailing his various conspiracies (RICHPLANET TV)"I am in the process of appointing a solicitor/barrister and am appealing to you to recommend a reliable, suitably experienced and qualified professional to present my evidence in court," he said in the newsletter on May 9.
He's set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for his legal defence, raising over £15,000 already.
The Hibberts want to have a restraining order imposed which prevents Hall from making further allegations, and are also seeking damages.
Martin Hibbert was severely paralysed following the explosion (PA)
The dad is suing Hall after claims the attack was faked (Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)They hope it will set a precedent and protect other disaster survivors in future.
Hall also said: "Thank you to everyone who has so far donated to my legal fund. I am very grateful to you.
"I have received notification that a legal claim has been filed against me in the High Court.
"The claim is seeking damages and an injunction for harassment and breaches of the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
"Note that there is no claim of libel or defamation which has been incorrectly reported across most of mainstream media.
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A candle lit vigil in St Ann's Square in Manchester following the attack (AFP/Getty Images)"I have until the 1st of June 2023 to submit my defence."
Martin was paralysed from the waist down, while Eve was left severely disabled in the blast.
Hall was unmasked last October in a BBC Panorama investigation and Radio 4 podcast series.
He reportedly admitted to spying on Eve from a vehicle parked outside her home.
CCTV image of Salman Abedi at Victoria Station making his way to the Manchester Arena (PA)The family's lawyer Neil Hudgell previously told the BBC: "Martin can be seen as a pioneering trailblazer for others to follow if they feel so minded."
Martin said: "It does sometimes feel like a bit of a weight, so it would be nice to be able to put it to bed and just be able to move on with our lives."
Hall's YouTube channel, which boasts over 80,000 subscribers, was taken down.
His market stall has also been closed.
Police outside the Manchester Arena following the terror attack on May 23, 2017 (PA)However, his products and other videos are still available on his website.
In December, Hall added a 'True Crime' section which referred to various events and cases, including the disappearance of Nicola Bulley.
The case against him echoes the action taken against Alex Jones, who was ordered to pay nearly $1.5billion by a US court to families of those killed in the US Sandy Hook school shooting.
He has frequently claimed the 2012 attack was a hoax.
Suicide bomber Salman Abedi, 22 (Daily Record)Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has spoken to Martin about the potential for a new law that better protects survivors from harassment and conspiracy theories.
Earlier this year a report in the Manchester bombing found MI5 missed "significant opportunities" to prevent the tragedy.
Terrorist Salman Abedi was among those killed when he detonated a homemade device at the packed venue, with hundreds also injured.
The Mirror has contacted Hall for comment.
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