Court hears news outlets have duty to publish allegations against well-known figure

Key facts

• News outlets have a duty to publish allegations of exploitative sexual behavior against an anonymous figure, the High Court heard.
• The anonymous individual, PPT, denies the allegations and seeks an injunction to prevent publication.
• PPT's legal team claims publication would likely lead to his death due to previous suicide attempts.
• Media groups argue for publication based on public interest and the impact on sources.
• Credible evidence of seriously improper conduct towards many women over a prolonged period exists.
• The case involves human rights articles concerning the right to life, freedom from degrading treatment, and private life, balanced against freedom of expression.

The High Court heard arguments on whether The Guardian and ITN have a duty to publish allegations of exploitative sexual behavior against an anonymous individual, known as PPT, despite his claims that publication would likely lead to his death. PPT denies the allegations and is seeking an injunction to prevent their release. His legal team cited previous suicide attempts and argued that publishing would endanger his life.

The media groups, represented by Gavin Millar KC, countered that they have a duty to the public and their sources to publish information believed to be in the public interest. They highlighted the trauma experienced by the women making allegations and their desire for the conduct to be disclosed to protect others. The outlets possess credible evidence of seriously improper conduct towards a large number of women over a prolonged period.

The case involves balancing PPT's rights under articles two, three, and eight of the European convention on human rights against the media's right to freedom of expression under article 10. The investigation has reportedly spoken to over 100 people, including 30 first-hand accounts. An independent expert's assessment suggested suicide was not inevitable but that risks could be lowered if publication occurred while PPT was in inpatient psychiatric care. The judge has retired to make a ruling.