NSW man’s attempt to sue over ‘stalking’ Facebook post dismissed as bid to stay in contact with ex

Court of appeal rejects effort to overturn decision that stopped the man from suing his former partner for defamation

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails,free app or daily news podcast

A man described as a stalker in a Facebook post by his former partner has failed in a bid to sue for defamation, after a judge found his motivation for legal action was to continue contact with his ex.

The New South Wales court of appeal ruled on Tuesday that the man did not have leave to appeal against a district court decision that he could not sue his former partner, as the action was found to be an abuse of court process due to that motivation.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup