An appeal by Denis O’Brien against a defamation damages award is struck out, according to reports. The case arises from findings made by a High Court jury last November, which concluded that O’Brien and his long-time spokesman, James Morrissey, defamed Darragh Mackin and Gavin Booth. The jury’s conclusion relates to a statement that was found to imply that Belfast-based solicitors acted on behalf of the IRA. Following the jury’s award, O’Brien sought to challenge the damages awarded by the High Court. The latest reports state that his challenge is rejected procedurally and therefore does not proceed. The outlets reporting on the decision describe the appeal as being struck out, meaning the matter is not reopened at the appellate stage on the grounds presented. The sources provided do not include further details about the specific legal reasons for striking out the appeal or any subsequent steps by the parties, but they do agree on the underlying jury finding and the content of the statement at issue.