Man loses injunction bid against two news organisations over allegations - but can't be named yet

A man has lost his bid for an injunction against two media outlets to prevent the publication of allegations against him, a judge has ruled.

The High Court judge has ruled that he cannot yet be named, subject to any appeal.

The man brought legal action against Guardian News and Media (GNM), publisher of The Guardian, and Independent Television News (ITN), which produces news programmes for ITV and other channels.

Lawyers representing the media organisation said that the allegations they want to report involve the man's alleged "abuse of power and status" to contact young women and try to engage in "inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities".

The man, who is well-known and denies the claims, sought an injunction to prevent this broadcast and publication because of a risk that he would take his own life, after two previous suicide attempts.

In a judgment on Tuesday, Mr Justice Nicklin said in a summary of his ruling: "The claimant's claim for an injunction was dismissed.

"The court did not determine whether the allegations, or any of them, were true, and the dismissal of the claim does not amount to approval of any publication the defendants may decide to make."

The judge added that the man repeatedly said he intends to take his own life if the allegations are published, which must be taken seriously, adding that "the injunction would not treat the claimant's underlying psychiatric condition or eliminate his elevated baseline risk".

"The relief sought would therefore be of uncertain and potentially indefinite duration," he added.

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Sara Mansoori KC, representing the man, said he denies the allegations of wrongdoing and that publication "would have a potentially fatal impact".

The barrister also said the claimant "has no intention of returning to public life".

Gavin Millar KC, for ITN and GNM, said the case risks "dragging judges into assessing the causes of suicidal ideation, which are for professionals and not for a judge".

He later said: "Plainly, the proposed publication would make a valuable contribution to a debate of public importance, about men using their power to be able to misconduct themselves against women in that area of society."

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

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