Overview
- Ryan Meuleman’s Federal Court suit, filed in November, alleges a 2024 joint statement by Daniel and Catherine Andrews defamed him and caused serious harm, and he seeks aggravated damages.
- The Andrews deny defamation in a defence lodged this week, arguing their statement was a proportionate response and noting Meuleman had not previously sued over their many earlier public comments.
- The defence claims the proceedings serve collateral purposes, including courting media attention, inflicting reputational damage, advancing supporters’ political agendas, or gathering material for a private criminal case, and it names several supporters.
- Meuleman contends the statement implied he lied about the 2013 collision and was using legal action for financial gain, while the defence says his damages demand shifted from $550,000 to $50,000 plus $7000 in costs.
- The 2013 Blairgowrie crash involved Catherine Andrews driving and left Meuleman seriously injured; no charges followed, attending officers were counselled for not conducting breath tests, and a 2024 Herald Sun report cited an expert review alleging a cover-up, with the case due back in court in March.