An editor has demanded action after one of his reporters was subjected to a “very intense period of intimidation” by a reader.

Andrew Harrod has called for the Independent Press Standards Organisation to step in after the Barnsley Chronicle journalist was harassed by someone who took issue with a story.

The reader in question subsequently made a complaint to IPSO and Andrew, pictured, has now argued the organisation should take the behaviour of complainants into account when investigating complaints.

Writing in the Chronicle’s annual statement to IPSO, he said he has “no doubt” his reporter would have been accused of harassment had the roles been reversed.

Andrew’s latest plea to IPSO comes after he last year urged the press watchdog to warn complainants their case may be rejected unless they keep details of it confidential.

In the Chronicle’s latest statement, he wrote: “I did suggest that IPSO reminds complainants of the need for confidentiality on both sides during the complaints process and I hope some steps have been taken to stress this when people register complaints.

“It is clear from a matter that has just been referred to IPSO that, in my report next year, I will have to comment on the general conduct of people who register complaints – and perhaps IPSO may need to offer guidance to would-be complainants which, if ignored, should be taken into account when making judgements.

“One of our reporters was subjected to a brief – but very intense – period of intimidation by someone who then went on to register a formal complaint with IPSO.

“Had my reporter subjected the complainant to the same kind of treatment in pursuit of a story, I have no doubt that she would have been accused of harassment.”

Andrew said he would “reserve further comment” on the incident until he compiles his statement for 2022 because the matter had only just been raised at the time of writing.

An IPSO spokeswoman told HTFP: “IPSO’s complaints policies for both publishers and complainants are published on its website and made clear at the beginning of the complaints process.

“These include expected behaviours.”