Well-known man asks court to stop publication of sexual offence allegation before trial
Injunction request before court
The man has applied to the High Court in London for an order preventing ITN and Guardian News & Media from publishing what were described in court as serious allegations. ITN produces news for ITV and Channel 4, while Guardian News & Media publishes the Guardian. The court was told that the organisations had investigated the man’s conduct over a period of years.
Media organisations oppose restraint
At the injunction hearing, lawyers for the two organisations argued that the court should not restrain publication. They said the law already provides a detailed, established system for protecting people at risk of suicide through NHS mental health professionals. The court was told that ITN and Guardian News & Media sent the man two letters in spring 2026 following their investigation.
Trial will determine publication
The nature of the allegations and the two sources’ relationship to them are not known. A trial due later this month will decide whether the organisations are permanently barred from naming the man and publishing the allegations.
Key points
- A man described as “well-known” is seeking to prevent publication of allegations, including ones of a sexual nature.
- ITN and Guardian News & Media investigated his conduct over a period of years.
- Two sources were granted anonymity in the current proceedings.
- A trial later this month will decide whether a permanent publication ban is imposed.