A regional daily published an apology after reporting that the death of a young woman had been due to a drugs overdose when the cause of death had not yet been established.

The report, in the Southend Echo, also linked the death of 27-year-old Kerry Archer to a stabbing that occurred a week later.

Ms Archer’s mother, Lesley, complained to the Press Complaints Commission that the story broke Clause 1 of the Editor’s Code of Practice which covers accuracy.

She pointed out that the cause of her daughter’s death had not been established and claimed the stabbing incident was unrrlated.

The complaint was resolved when the newspaper published the following correction and apology, headed Kerry Archer:

“An Echo report on March 9, headlined “Man, 27, stabbed after drug death”, referred to an incident in Sutton Road, Southend. The report mentioned the death of Kerry Archer, which had happened several days earlier at her flat in Sutton Road. The stabbing victim, Phillip Day, had been staying at Ms Archer’s flat.

“However, there is no suggestion the stabbing was connected to Ms Archer’s death. We are also happy to point out that the cause of Ms Archer’s death has not yet been established. An inquest has yet to be held. We apologise to Ms Archer’s family for any distress caused by our report.”

Other recently resolved cases involving regional newspapers are as follows:

Powell v North Devon Journal

Councillor Andrew Powell complained under Clause 1 (Accuracy) about an article which reported on an argument at a Bideford Town Council meeting. The complainant was concerned that the article inaccurately claimed that he had been accused of being ‘undemocratic’, and that it had led readers to the erroneous belief that he was responsible for the standing orders which were the subject of criticism.

The matter was resolved when the PCC negotiated a meeting between the complainant and the newspaper’s editor.

Ross v Aberdeen Press & Journal

Mr David Alasdair Ross complained under Clause 1 (Accuracy) saying the newspaper had published an incorrect statement, claiming that his company had achieved purchases of less than £20 from a local supplier in 2011.

The complaint was resolved privately between the parties.

Bonner v East Kilbride News

Ms Maureen Bonner raised concerns under Clause 3 (Privacy) of the Editors’ Code of Practice, after the newspaper reported a road traffic accident involving her aunt and uncle: the article included their home address.

The complaint was resolved when the newspaper, as a gesture of goodwill, removed the address from the online article.

Wilkes v Falmouth Packet

Mrs J A Wilkes complained under  Clause 1 (Accuracy) that the newspaper had published an article reporting on a “manhunt” for her son which misleadingly implied that he was a “gunman.”

The complaint was resolved when the PCC negotiated the publication of the following clarification in the newspaper:

An article of 23 November 2011 reported that Mr Dylan Wilkes of Falmouth was a “gun scare fugitive”.  We have been asked to make clear that Mr Wilkes was not arrested or charged with any gun-related offence.  We are happy to make this clear.

Baird v Northampton Chronicle & Echo

Mr Ronald Baird complained under Clause 1 (Accuracy) that the newspaper had published three articles that had breached the Editors’ Code. The articles had reported on the arrest, conviction and sentencing of the complainant to four years imprisonment for having incited underage girls to engage in sexual activity. The complainant said that the newspaper had reported aspects of the offence in a misleading way.

The complaint was resolved when the PCC negotiated the amendment or removal of the online articles.

Fairlie v North Devon Journal

Mr Liam Fairlie complained under Clause 1 (Accuracy) on behalf of Mrs Jennifer Colenso that a report of her conviction on theft and fraud charges had inaccurately suggested that she had bought a Porsche and a catamaran with the proceeds of her criminal behaviour.

The matter was resolved when the PCC negotiated the publication of the following correction:

In our article of 8 March, which reported that former treasurer of the North Devon Animal Ambulance, Jennifer Colenso, had pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and theft, we stated that Mrs Colenso ‘drove a Porsche and owned a catamaran’. We have been asked to make clear that neither of these vehicles were paid for with money obtained by fraud, and that the catamaran, in fact, belongs to Mrs Colenso’s husband.

Searle v South Wales Echo

Ms Nicola Searle complained under Clause 1 (Accuracy) and Clause 3 (Privacy) that a report of inquest proceedings relating to her brother, Jamie, contained inaccurate and intrusive information.

The matter was resolved when the PCC negotiated a private letter of apology for the complainant’s family.