Good contacts paid off when a regional daily journalist scored an exclusive interview with a hero pensioner who became an internet sensation.
‘Supergran’ Ann Timson hit headlines across the globe after footage of her taking on a group of men outside a jewellers in Northampton – armed only with her handbag – was posted on YouTube.
She spoke exclusively about the incident to Ruth Pott-Negrine, a features writer from the Northampton Chronicle & Echo, who recognised the retired market trader as one of her regular contacts.
The Johnston Press title delayed its deadline on Monday evening by two hours to allow the story of the pensioner’s actions to be published in the following day’s edition.
Ruth managed to persuade Mrs Timson to speak to her and agreed to her wish to remain anonymous, although she later released a statement with her name on it through Northamptonshire Police.
In the interview, the pensioner said she would do exactly the same thing again if needed and said she was not a hero.
Ruth said: “I’ve been a reporter at the paper for three years now and in that time you build up contacts – ordinary people who live in the area.
“She was reluctant to do the story at first but because I have a relationship of trust with her she agreed to speak to me.”
The story was widely followed up by media outlets including the Daily Mail, Sky News, The Sun, CNN, Guardian and The Telegraph.
Four people have been arrested and charged with robbery and motor vehicle offences after the incident.
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Nice story, but the fact that Ruth’s piece did not name her – only for the cops to put out a release identifying her – puts a massive downer on it.
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It does (a bit) but that’s typical of the police, in my experience. Congrats on the scoop – just think how much you could’ve made selling it to the nationals. Pity the cash is in agency pockets now 😉
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Fantastic for you Ruth – a scoop you will remember for ever. Now let the bean-counters at the Chron tot up how many extra copies they sold and how even the ad reps will find they can win more business on the back of it. Is there just a hope that managements might stop to think how important good journalists are in their efforts to make a profit?
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Squee, well done again RPN! The former journalist in me is totally jealous xx xx
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