Judge warns public against identifying ‘well-known’ man battling injunction

A judge has warned the press and public not to speculate about the identity of a “well-known” man suing two news outlets in a bid to stop allegations about him being published.

Mr Justice Nicklin said at the start of a hearing on Tuesday that the High Court must determine the case “fairly, on the evidence and legal submissions” and “without further attempts to identify” the individual, known only by the cypher PPT, and other people involved in the case.

The man is taking legal action against Independent Television News (ITN), which produces news programmes for ITV, Channel 4, Good Morning Britain and Channel 5, and Guardian News and Media, publisher of The Guardian.

He is seeking an injunction preventing the proposed broadcast and publication of serious allegations about his conduct over several years, including that he committed a sexual offence, which he denies.

The High Court has previously been told that the individual has twice attempted to take his own life in recent months and “remains seriously ill”.

ITN and Guardian News and Media are opposing the injunction bid.

At the beginning of the hearing in London, attended by several journalists and members of the public, Mr Justice Nicklin said reporting restrictions mean online speculation, “however confidently expressed or widely repeated”, does not allow the identification of PPT.

He said: “The court is aware of online commentary and speculation about PPT’s identity.

“That speculation has named several different individuals.

“Some of the online material also refers to separate proceedings bearing a different claim number.

“Those proceedings have been stayed.

“The existence of online speculation, however confidently expressed or widely repeated, does not authorise anyone to identify, or purport authoritatively to identify, PPT in connection with these proceedings.

“Nor does repetition transform speculation into established fact.

“The reporting restriction remains fully effective and must be obeyed unless and until it is varied or discharged by the court.

“This is a difficult and important case.

“The court must determine it fairly, on the evidence and legal submissions, while respecting both the principle of open justice and the protective purpose of the orders already made.

“I ask that the court be allowed to perform that task without further attempts to identify PPT or any other person whose identity is protected.”

The judge continued that the reporting restrictions prevent the publication of PPT’s identity, the “identification of any person as being PPT, or any information likely, directly or indirectly, to identify him as the claimant in these proceedings”.

This applies to any publication, including those online and on social media.

Those who breach the order could potentially be found in contempt of court, which is punishable by a prison sentence of up to two years, or a fine.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you