A Northern Ireland teacher represented by Johnsons Solicitors has won a preliminary stage in a landmark libel action against Facebook.

The woman is suing the social media giant over posts alleging a failure to safeguard pupils at a west Belfast secondary school.

The proceedings centre on claims that a priest invited into De la Salle College questioned three students about their sex lives during confession.

The teacher is seeking damages against Facebook and an anonymous group behind a page, using the pseudonym Concerned Parents of De La Salle, for alleged misuse of private information.

The teacher was never subject to police investigation and categorically denies any claims against her.

Speaking about the case, David Craig, head of media and large loss at Johnsons Solicitors, said: “Our client is pleased with the decision taken by Mr Justice Burgess this week.

“This is a significant development in media law as it represents, to our knowledge, the first libel claim of its kind against Facebook in Northern Ireland. Our client is now keen to progress the substantive action within the clear parameters set out in his Lordship’s judgement.”