By Basant El-Faramawy
A well-known individual, identified only as PPT, has failed in a high court bid to prevent the Guardian and ITN from publishing allegations of inappropriate sexual activity towards young women.
Judge balances suicide risk against press freedom
Mr Justice Nicklin ruled that while publication would substantially increase the claimant's suicide risk, the responsibility for his safety lies with health services, not the court. The claimant, detained under the Mental Health Act, had argued publication would violate his rights to life and privacy.
Anonymity maintained pending appeal
The judge granted permission to appeal, keeping the claimant's identity hidden for now. The ruling emphasized that an injunction would be an exceptionally serious interference with the media's freedom of expression and the public's right to know about serious wrongdoing by a prominent figure.
Allegations span several years
The media outlets allege the individual used his power and status to establish contact with younger women and engage in inappropriate sexual activity, some potentially criminal. The court did not assess the truth of the allegations, only whether publication should be blocked.
Rejection of time-limited injunction
Nicklin also rejected a proposal for an 18-month injunction with reassessment, finding no clinical basis for such a timeframe.
