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Latest resolved complaints dealt with by the PCC

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.

Sunday Mercury
The webmaster of gaybrum.com complained that the newspaper had inaccurately suggested that his website – which is designed for use by gay adults, particularly visitors to Birmingham and the West Midlands – was a resource for paedophiles.
In particular, the newspaper claimed that the small part of the website devoted to “rent boys” suggested an endorsement of sex with minors, where in fact the site used the term as a description of young adult male prostitutes.
The newspaper also suggested that the site should be subject of a police investigation, when in fact the webmaster had liased with the local police and that the West Midlands Police had themselves provided a link to gaybrum.com from one of their sites.
(Clause 1)
Resolution: The newspaper published a full clarification in its print and online edition.

Harrogate Advertiser
Elizabeth Ward of Harrogate complained on behalf of her neighbour, John Dudley, that coverage of the inquest into his wife’s tragic death was insensitive and had caused him, his family and his late wife’s friends considerable distress. (Clause 13)
Resolution: The editor wrote personally to both the complainant and Mr Dudley to express her regret that the article had caused undue distress at such a tragic time.

North West Evening Mail
Melanie Saunders, headteacher of Ulverston Victoria High School, complained that an article intruded her privacy by including references to her state of health. (Clause 3)
Resolution: The editor published a prominent apology.

Evening Standard
Ken Livingstone complained that an article was misleading in its headline C-Charge: Thousands are fined by mistake. (Clause 1)
Resolution: The newspaper accepted that the headline was too absolute but denied that it was inaccurate, stating that many people had been fined wrongly.

North Belfast News
Mr T Cheevers, of Belfast, complained that an article contained inaccuracies about the actions of the Apprentice Boys in the locality. (Clause 1)
Resolution: The newspaper published a clarification on the matter.

Newcastle Evening Chronicle
Lynda Mackenzie of Newcastle-upon-Tyne complained that an article about asylum seekers was discriminatory and could lead to tension in the local community. (Clause 13)
Resolution: The complaint was resolved when the newspaper sent the complainant a personal letter expressing regret for any offence caused by the article and published several balanced articles on the issue.

Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Brian Bryce of Peterborough complained that an article reporting a murder for which his son was convicted contained a number of inaccuracies about his son’s involvement in the crime. (Clause 1)
Resolution: The newspaper published a clarification.

Oldham Evening Chronicle
Mr J Stenchion complained on behalf of his nephew Stephen Walsh that the newspaper had inaccurately reported the latter’s trial for affray, (following an incident involving white youths causing trouble in the Asian community), by emphasising the racial aspect to the offence. (Clause 1)
Resolution: The newspaper published a correction and apology, making clear that the charges alleging racially aggravated damage of property were withdrawn.

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