Below are summaries of the latest complaints involving the regional press which have been resolved between the parties involved, with help from the Press Complaints Commission.

Derry News
A man complained that the newspaper had published a photograph of his grandson to accompany an article about the dangers of underage drinking. The photograph had been taken some months previously, and his grandson had been branded a thug, and had suffered as a result of its publication. (Clauses 3,6)
Resolution: The complaint was resolved after the newspaper explained that it had taken steps – unsuccessfully in this instance – to pixelate the image, and undertook to take greater care in the future. The Editor also offered to apologise to the complainant and his grandson.

Wirral Globe
Dr Sue Chesters, of Wirral, complained that an inquest report into the death of her brother-in-law contained excessive detail and was insensitive in breach of Clause 5 (Intrusion into grief and shock) of the Code.
Resolution: The complaint was resolved when the editor – who accepted that the article could have been handled more sensitively and had written to apologise – agreed to meet privately with the complainant and her sister-in-law together with the reporter in order to address the concerns raised.

The Glaswegian
Sharon Krieger, Secretary of the Deaconsbank Residents Association, complained about a reader’s letter which inaccurately claimed the organisation had turned down an offer from the council to provide recreational facilities for youngsters. (Clause 1)
Resolution: The complaint was resolved when the newspaper published the following clarification: Contrary to a letter published on 10 August, Deaconsbank Residents Association has asked us to make clear that it has neither received – nor, therefore, opposed – any proposal from Glasgow City Council in regard to a play area in the Deaconsbank Area. We apologise for any confusion.

Evening Express
Faith Kirkbright complained that the newspaper published her name and full address in connection with charges brought against her husband. She was also unhappy that the newspaper had mentioned her son’s age. (Clause 3)
Resolution: The newspaper’s editor apologised for naming the complainant and referring to her son’s age. He assured her that those details would not be republished, unless they were raised as relevant points in subsequent court proceedings. He also assured her that neither she nor other family members would be contacted regarding the case against her husband.

Kilmarnock Standard
Mr and Mrs Harkin, of Kilmarnock, complained that their fifteen-year-old son had been quoted in an article without their consent. (Clause 6)
Resolution: The newspaper apologised to the complainants and assured them that no further reference would be made to their son in the context of the story. The editor also took the matter up with senior staff to avoid similar mistakes being made in the future.

Enfield Advertiser
Ismail Balta complained through Hickman & Rose Solicitors that an article on the conviction of a gang of people smugglers which referred to him contained inaccuracies. (Clause 1)
Resolution: The complaint was resolved when the newspaper published the following clarification on the matter, which was also placed in its archives: Unfortunately as a result of incorrect information supplied to us by police, we published in the Advertiser on October 11 that Ismail Balta, 49, of Cherry Blossom Close, Palmers Green, was convicted for conspiring to smuggle eight illegal immigrants into Britain. He was in fact convicted of smuggling two people. We are happy to clarify the point.

Evening Standard
Ismail Balta complained through Hickman & Rose Solicitors that an article on the conviction of a gang of people smugglers which referred to him contained inaccuracies. (Clause 1)
Resolution: The complaint was resolved when the newspaper – which made clear that the information upon which the article was based had been provided by the Metropolitan Police – marked its internal records to reflect the points raised by the complainant.

Enfield Independent
Ismail Balta complained through Hickman & Rose Solicitors that an article on the conviction of a gang of people smugglers which referred to him contained inaccuracies. (Clause 1)
Resolution: The complaint was resolved when the newspaper – which made clear that the information upon which the article was based had been provided by the Metropolitan Police – offered to publish a clarification on the matter. The complainant considered the wording to be suitable but did not wish for this to be published. The text was therefore appended to the newspaper’s internal records for future reference.