The reason the case was tried in England: A defamatory statement is presumed to be false, unless the defendant can prove its truth. [..] English defamation law

The reason the case was tried in England: A defamatory statement is presumed to be false, unless the defendant can prove its truth. [..] English defamation law puts the burden of proof on the defendant, and does not require the plaintiff to prove falsehood. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_defamation_law https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_defamation_law