PPT injunction: High Court case on Guardian and ITN investigations

An anonymised man is seeking a permanent High Court injunction to stop the Guardian and ITN publishing investigations into serious allegations about his conduct. The BBC reports that those allegations include one of a sexual offence. The case will test his claim that publication would put his life at risk against the news organisations’ case for reporting matters they say are in the public interest. [2] [3]

The man, identified in court as PPT, broadly denies the allegations. A public judgment says the two organisations have investigated his conduct towards several people over a period of years, in professional and personal settings. The judge has not ruled on whether the allegations are true. [2]

PPT’s lawyers say the prospect of publication has seriously affected his mental health, including attempts to take his own life. They have submitted medical evidence in support of his claim that publication would pose a risk to his life. The judge said the extent of that risk, its legal significance and whether it could be reduced are questions for the trial. Guardian News & Media and ITN oppose the injunction, citing freedom of expression and the public interest in their investigations. [2] [4]

An order made on 5 October prohibits reporting that directly or indirectly identifies PPT in connection with the case. It also protects the names of his witnesses of fact, but the judge refused to conceal the identities of the two media organisations. That order does not itself grant the permanent publication ban PPT seeks. [1] [2]

The BBC reported that three sources for the investigations had also been granted anonymity in the proceedings. One woman alleges that PPT committed a sexual offence against her. The trial on the requested injunction is scheduled for 27 and 28 October. [3] [2]