Deformation

Kathleen Benzedrine, a telephonist from Runcorn, is currently suing her former employer for deformation, claiming that deliberately misleading statements were made about her in a reference. Among other things, Ms Benzadrine says that the employer incorrectly stated that she was rude, unhelpful and had a poor attendance rate.

"Deformation is a difficult concept to prove," commented an independent legal adviser. "If the employer had said that Ms Benzedrine was twisted, warped or out-and-out bent, then I think that would she would have a good chance of success. But as it is I don't reckon much for her chances... In retrospect I think the word she probably wanted was 'defamation'."