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.

Below are summaries of the latest complaints involving the regional press which fall into the first category.

The Herald
Chris Robinson, chief executive of Hearts Football Club, complained that an article was inaccurate when it stated that the Club’s debts would increase by almost 50 per cent due to non-conversion of loan stock. (Clause 1)
Resolution: The complaint was resolved when the newspaper published a clarification on this point.

Bolton Evening News
M McLoughlin, of Bolton, complained that an article inaccurately reported the manner in which one of his sons had died. (Clause 1, 3, 5)
Resolution: The newspaper published a correction and apology on the matter.

Peterborough Evening Telegraph
A woman complained that the newspaper, which had reported the allegations that her (unnamed) son had shot another pupil with a BB gun – allegations which led to his exclusion and criminal proceedings being initiated against him – had not reported the subsequent court’s verdict that did not find him guilty. (Clause 1)
Resolution: The complaint was resolved when the newspaper offered to publish a follow-up article in light of the court’s decision.

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