Latest resolved complaints dealt with by the PCC. This story: 9.5.2003

The majority of complaints made to the Press Complaints Commission, which raise a possible breach of the Code of Practice, are resolved directly between the Commission’s staff, editors and complainants.

These are either settled to the express satisfaction of the complainant following some remedial action by the editor or are not pursued by complainants following an explanation or other response from the publication.

Listed here are summaries of complaints involving the regional press which fall into the first category.

Wee County News
Ms Nicola McLean of Alloa Scotland complained that an article contained inaccuracies and wrongly suggested that her husband’s ten-year-old daughter had been involved in a criminal case. In fact, the girl in question was a different daughter, six years old, who did not live with the couple at all. (Clauses 1, 6)
Resolution: The newspaper amended its records to correct the inaccuracy and sent a personal letter of apology to the complainant.

Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser
Ms Nicola McLean of Alloa Scotland complained that an article about her partner’s conviction contained inaccuracies and, in particular, gave the wrong age for the girl present at the arrest. This inaccurately suggested the involvement of the daughter who lives with the complainant and her partner. (Clauses 1, 6)
Resolution: The newspaper amended its records to correct the inaccuracy and sent a personal letter of apology to the complainant.

Daily Record
Mrs Mary Wilson of Glasgow complained that the newspaper altered a letter she had submitted so that when it was published the meaning was substantially changed. (Clause 1)
Resolution: The newspaper apologised to the complainant and republished her letter in its original form along with an editorial note explaining that, when it first appeared, a sentence which Mrs Wilson did not write had been added by a sub-editor.

Bucks Herald
Mr J McCulloch of HMP Springhill complained of inaccuracies in an article reporting his involvement in the theft of motorbikes around the country. (Clause 1)
Resolution: The newspaper published a clarification and apology regarding the details of the conviction, the recipient of the compensation, and the number, location and value of the bikes.

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