The key facts
- ITN and Guardian News & Media conducted an investigation into 'behaviour over a number of years' and sent the person two letters in spring 2026
- The claimant denies the allegations and has submitted medical reports of a suicide risk; the court was told of two attempts
- Mr Justice Nicklin granted anonymity to three journalistic sources; the ruling on the injunction is due later this month
The case
A person described in court as 'well-known' has applied to London's High Court to prevent two media organisations — Independent Television News (ITN, a news producer for ITV and Channel 4) and Guardian News & Media (publisher of The Guardian) — from publishing 'serious allegations' against him, including of a sexual nature. He has been granted anonymity in the proceedings; he denies the allegations.
Investigation and correspondence
According to statements in court, ITN and Guardian News & Media conducted an investigation into '[the person's] behaviour over a period of several years' and sent him two letters in spring 2026. He responded with a denial of the allegations and medical reports indicating a risk to his life if publication went ahead.
The parties' arguments
The claimant submitted medical evidence stating that publication would 'almost certainly' lead to 'an attempt to take his own life'; the court was told that the mere prospect of publication had already led to two suicide attempts. Lawyers for ITN and Guardian News & Media argued that it would be 'wrong' for the court to restrict publication, since 'the law provides a detailed and established framework under which the interests of those at risk of suicide are specifically protected by NHS mental health specialists'.
Anonymity of sources
High Court judge Mr Justice Nicklin granted anonymity in the current proceedings to two individuals who agreed to be named in potential ITN and Guardian News & Media material; the nature of the allegations and these sources' connection to the case are unknown. A third journalistic source, also granted anonymity, claims to have been a victim of a sexual offence committed by this person. Anonymity has also been granted to other parties in the case.
Next steps
The final decision on whether ITN and Guardian News & Media will be permanently barred from naming this person and publishing the allegations will be made by the court at the conclusion of a hearing scheduled for later this month.
Image source, Getty Images
The hearing was held at the High Court in London
