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Complainant Name:
Mr Trevor David Jones

Clauses Noted: 6

Publication: The Daily Telegraph

Complaint:

Mr Trevor David Jones of Angmering, West Sussex, complained that The Daily Telegraph interviewed and photographed his two young sons and their friend in a public play area without parental consent. Also, the subsequent article dated 14 June 1997 headlined "Worthing suffers skaters' scourge" referred to the boys, using forenames and a photograph of one, all in breach of Clause 12 (Interviewing or photographing children) of the Code of the Practice. The picture showed two elderly women sitting by a promenade, the blurred image of a boy skating right past them. The text said the women and the three boys interviewed had not known of a new by-law to fine skaters and skate boarders who cause "danger or annoyance".

The newspaper apologised in writing and in print for any distress. It had wanted to draw attention to changing times in a resort where a clash of generational cultures had led to the introduction of new by-laws about which locals were unaware. The boys agreed to cooperate, saying they often skated by the promenade. The image used was blurred and no surnames appeared. Also, while the complainant did not respond to the offer of a published apology, one was carried in reply to concerns expressed by the third boy's mother. It said the picture illustrated the problem of introducing new penalties, was posed with agreement and that the boys had not caused nuisance nor broken the law.

Decision:
Upheld

Adjudication:

Clause 12 of the Code provides that children should not normally be interviewed or photographed on subjects involving children's welfare without the consent of a parent/responsible adult. The Commission noted the boys had been asked to help demonstrate a subject which could be said to relate to their welfare without such permission, whether or not there was any risk of infringing a by-law.

The complaint was upheld.

Report:
39



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