Individual seeks High Court injunction to block media reports of alleged sexual misconduct
A person described as "well-known" has asked London's High Court to stop two news organisations from publishing serious allegations, citing medical evidence that public disclosure could endanger his life.
London's High Court heard an application from an individual, identified in court documents only as "well-known", seeking an injunction to prevent Independent Television News (ITN) and Guardian News & Media from publishing serious allegations, including sexual misconduct, against him. The applicant submitted medical reports stating that publicizing the claims would "almost certainly" lead to a suicide attempt and that he had already made two attempts.
ITN and Guardian News & Media argued that restraining publication would be inappropriate, noting that UK law includes a framework that protects individuals at risk of suicide through NHS mental-health services. The media organisations said the allegations stem from an investigation into the individual's conduct over several years, and that two sources who would be identified in any report have been granted anonymity in the proceedings.
A third source, also granted anonymity, alleges she was the victim of a sexual offence by the individual. The court will decide later this month whether the injunction will permanently bar ITN and Guardian News & Media from naming the individual and publishing the allegations.
"It would be wrong for the court to restrain publication when the law provides for a detailed and well-established scheme by which the interests of those at risk of suicide are specially protected by NHS mental health professionals," said lawyers for ITN and Guardian News & Media.
The hearing was presided over by Mr Justice Nicklin. The case highlights the tension between press freedom and the protection of vulnerable individuals.