Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
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Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
Daily Star justified in calling Rothley leaflet distributors 'sickos' - Press Complaints Commission decision
Tony Bennett Today at 8:55 am
Late
yesterday I received by e-mail the text of the decision of the Press
Complaints Commission regarding complaints we made about coverage in
the 'Daily Star' of 15 August 2009 (the 'sickos' article) and 16 August
2009 (the 'stalker' article).
It must be remembered that despite
the hostile tone of these two press articles, and a similar article in
'The Sun', the Madeleine Foundation received hundreds of thousands of
extra hits on our website in the days following those news reports,
numerous compliments about the '30 Reasons' article on our website, and
a surge of orders for the now-banned '60 Reasons' booklet.
Here is the e-mail and the Press Complaints Commission judgment:
From: Scott Langham
Subject: 093429 / 093527 Sunday Express / Daily Star
To: "ANTHONY BENNETT"
Date: Tuesday, 22 December, 2009, 17:19
By email
Our references: 093429 / 093527
22 December 2009
Dear Mr Bennett
Further to our recent correspondence the Commission has now made its assessment of your complaint under the Code of Practice.
The
Commission members have asked me to thank you for giving them the
opportunity to consider the points you raise. However, their decision
was that there was no breach of the Code and a full explanation appears
below.
If you are dissatisfied with the way in which your
complaint has been handled - as opposed to the Commission ’s decision
itself - you should write within one month to the independent Charter
Commission er, whose details can be found in our How to Complain
leaflet or at http://www.pcc.org.uk/complaints/process.html
Thank you for taking this matter up with us.
Yours sincerely
Scott Langham
scott.langham@pcc.org.uk
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
Commission’s decision in the case of Bennett v Sunday Express/Daily Star
The
articles reported that the Madeleine Foundation had distributed copies
of their leaflet ‘What really happened to Madeleine McCann? Ten key
reasons which suggest that she was not abducted’ in the McCanns’ home
town of Rothley , Leicestershire.
The articles variously
referred to the leaflet as a “hate leaflet” and “highly inflammatory”,
claiming that it contained “despicable lies” and that it was part of a
“smear campaign”. The articles also claimed that the McCanns had been
targeted by “sickos” and that the Chairman of the Madeleine Foundation
was a “stalker”. The complainant said that all these claims were
inaccurate and misleading.
In this case, it was clear to the
Commission that the references to a “hate leaflet” and to the leaflet
being “highly inflammatory” represented the newspaper’s robust position
on the content of the literature being distributed by the complainant
and his organisation, which could reasonably be described as
controversial. The newspapers had the absolute right to do so, within
the parameters of the Code of Practice.
Clause 1 (Accuracy) of
the Code states that newspapers must distinguish clearly between
comment, conjecture and fact. The Commission considered that – given
the nature of the references, which were plainly subjective – readers
would have understood that they related to the newspapers’ own views of
the leaflet, which they were entitled to take. Equally, the Daily Star
had been perfectly entitled to offer its opinion of the individuals
behind the campaign (“sickos”) which, it was said, had caused distress
to the McCanns. It was difficult to see how such a subjective term
could have been interpreted as verifiable fact. The complainant may
have disagreed with such a description, but this did not make it
inaccurate in breach of the Code. Similarly, the Commission was
satisfied that the newspaper had been entitled, in the circumstances,
to refer to the leafleting as part of a “smear campaign”, or, by
extension, “stalking”. Both terms clearly represented the newspapers’
opinion of the activities of the organisation. The reference to
“despicable lies” had, in addition, been attributed clearly to a
“source close to the couple”, in the case of the Sunday Express, and a
“family pal” in the case of the Daily Star. There was no breach of the
Code on these points.
The complainant had also claimed that the
circumstances of the leaflet drop had been misrepresented. In the
Commission’s view, however, the question of when the leaflets were
distributed – at night-time or between 3pm and 6pm – and how many
people were involved was immaterial to any general understanding of the
matter. These references certainly did not amount to a significant
inaccuracy under the terms of Clause 1 (ii). Finally, the complainant
had said that it was not the case that the Madeleine Foundation had
sent the leaflet to Brian and Janet Kennedy. Given that he had stated
that he was unaware of their address, it was difficult to see how he
knew that this was the position. In any case, there had been no
complaint from Kennedys on the point.
Scott Langham
Head of Complaints
Press Complaints Commission
Halton House
20/23 Holborn
London EC1N 2JD
Tel: 020 7831 0022
Website: http://www.pcc.org.uk
Tony Bennett Today at 8:55 am
Late
yesterday I received by e-mail the text of the decision of the Press
Complaints Commission regarding complaints we made about coverage in
the 'Daily Star' of 15 August 2009 (the 'sickos' article) and 16 August
2009 (the 'stalker' article).
It must be remembered that despite
the hostile tone of these two press articles, and a similar article in
'The Sun', the Madeleine Foundation received hundreds of thousands of
extra hits on our website in the days following those news reports,
numerous compliments about the '30 Reasons' article on our website, and
a surge of orders for the now-banned '60 Reasons' booklet.
Here is the e-mail and the Press Complaints Commission judgment:
From: Scott Langham
Subject: 093429 / 093527 Sunday Express / Daily Star
To: "ANTHONY BENNETT"
Date: Tuesday, 22 December, 2009, 17:19
By email
Our references: 093429 / 093527
22 December 2009
Dear Mr Bennett
Further to our recent correspondence the Commission has now made its assessment of your complaint under the Code of Practice.
The
Commission members have asked me to thank you for giving them the
opportunity to consider the points you raise. However, their decision
was that there was no breach of the Code and a full explanation appears
below.
If you are dissatisfied with the way in which your
complaint has been handled - as opposed to the Commission ’s decision
itself - you should write within one month to the independent Charter
Commission er, whose details can be found in our How to Complain
leaflet or at http://www.pcc.org.uk/complaints/process.html
Thank you for taking this matter up with us.
Yours sincerely
Scott Langham
scott.langham@pcc.org.uk
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
Commission’s decision in the case of Bennett v Sunday Express/Daily Star
The
articles reported that the Madeleine Foundation had distributed copies
of their leaflet ‘What really happened to Madeleine McCann? Ten key
reasons which suggest that she was not abducted’ in the McCanns’ home
town of Rothley , Leicestershire.
The articles variously
referred to the leaflet as a “hate leaflet” and “highly inflammatory”,
claiming that it contained “despicable lies” and that it was part of a
“smear campaign”. The articles also claimed that the McCanns had been
targeted by “sickos” and that the Chairman of the Madeleine Foundation
was a “stalker”. The complainant said that all these claims were
inaccurate and misleading.
In this case, it was clear to the
Commission that the references to a “hate leaflet” and to the leaflet
being “highly inflammatory” represented the newspaper’s robust position
on the content of the literature being distributed by the complainant
and his organisation, which could reasonably be described as
controversial. The newspapers had the absolute right to do so, within
the parameters of the Code of Practice.
Clause 1 (Accuracy) of
the Code states that newspapers must distinguish clearly between
comment, conjecture and fact. The Commission considered that – given
the nature of the references, which were plainly subjective – readers
would have understood that they related to the newspapers’ own views of
the leaflet, which they were entitled to take. Equally, the Daily Star
had been perfectly entitled to offer its opinion of the individuals
behind the campaign (“sickos”) which, it was said, had caused distress
to the McCanns. It was difficult to see how such a subjective term
could have been interpreted as verifiable fact. The complainant may
have disagreed with such a description, but this did not make it
inaccurate in breach of the Code. Similarly, the Commission was
satisfied that the newspaper had been entitled, in the circumstances,
to refer to the leafleting as part of a “smear campaign”, or, by
extension, “stalking”. Both terms clearly represented the newspapers’
opinion of the activities of the organisation. The reference to
“despicable lies” had, in addition, been attributed clearly to a
“source close to the couple”, in the case of the Sunday Express, and a
“family pal” in the case of the Daily Star. There was no breach of the
Code on these points.
The complainant had also claimed that the
circumstances of the leaflet drop had been misrepresented. In the
Commission’s view, however, the question of when the leaflets were
distributed – at night-time or between 3pm and 6pm – and how many
people were involved was immaterial to any general understanding of the
matter. These references certainly did not amount to a significant
inaccuracy under the terms of Clause 1 (ii). Finally, the complainant
had said that it was not the case that the Madeleine Foundation had
sent the leaflet to Brian and Janet Kennedy. Given that he had stated
that he was unaware of their address, it was difficult to see how he
knew that this was the position. In any case, there had been no
complaint from Kennedys on the point.
Scott Langham
Head of Complaints
Press Complaints Commission
Halton House
20/23 Holborn
London EC1N 2JD
Tel: 020 7831 0022
Website: http://www.pcc.org.uk
Guest- Guest
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
Not that we needed anyone to tell us they were sickos but its always nice to see it in writing!!
Guest- Guest
Sabot- Star Poster
- Number of posts : 764
Location : France
Registration date : 2009-10-25
Rosie- Admin
- Number of posts : 4358
Registration date : 2008-04-27
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
Now, I wonder what we will see in the papers this weekend?!!
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
What a lovely Christmas present for Mike Gunnill. This poor chap did nothing but take a photo of a "Hard Faced Cow".
I hope the Sunday Express does an article on it, this week, and Mike takes him and Butler to the cleaners for their rotten lies.
PCC for the truth.
Stitch that Bennett you waste of space
I hope the Sunday Express does an article on it, this week, and Mike takes him and Butler to the cleaners for their rotten lies.
PCC for the truth.
Stitch that Bennett you waste of space
christabel- Admin
- Number of posts : 1637
Age : 74
Location : OK
Registration date : 2008-04-26
Getting The Message Yet Bennett?
You are all despised you despotic lying little toad.
Stalker Extraordinaire Tony Bennett
McCanns Stalker (Official)
Deborah Butler
Lacky Stalker To Stalker To Tony Bennett
Grenville Green
Lacky to the Lacky of Bennett
Helene Davies-Green
Stalker Extraordinaire Tony Bennett
McCanns Stalker (Official)
Deborah Butler
Lacky Stalker To Stalker To Tony Bennett
Grenville Green
Lacky to the Lacky of Bennett
Helene Davies-Green
Last edited by Rosiepops on Thu Dec 24, 2009 4:26 am; edited 1 time in total
Rosie- Admin
- Number of posts : 4358
Registration date : 2008-04-27
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
Now let's see "What The Papers say"!
Be afraid, be very afraid!
Be afraid, be very afraid!
Rosie- Admin
- Number of posts : 4358
Registration date : 2008-04-27
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
Thanks to Petert on Bonny's site.
Note - though Bennett has tried to hide it, that ruling
COVERED THE EXPRESS TOO
The PCC ruling is good to hear. It should be remembered that the complaint was just about the headline & story. There was NO complaint against the photographer Mike Gunnill. This despite posted items which were pure fiction and Bennett, Butler & the one handed* Stevo knew this. Especially Bennett & Stevo, since revealed as Stephen B. Marsden took their dirty little campaign and continued to harass the photographer. Note the fake web site ( mikegunnill.info ) which still carries details that have now been proved to be fiction-and this is the polite term. One handed* Stephen B. Marsden has posted several items in a number of forums over the months which were and are - just from his imagination, made up for effect.
Stevo, Stephen B. Marsden is full of his own importance and now the restriction while the PCC sat in judgment has been removed, a new chapter can begin. Actions have already started in the USA against Marsden and these are not idle threats or remarks as time will tell. Helped by several British MP's, documents have been filed within the American legal system which will highlight web hate crimes. Residents in the USA will no longer be able to hide behind freedom laws and they will no longer be able to abuse the American Constitution.
Finally remember what was said about this case, the Sunday Express and the two who covered the story. The flack they had to take from people who didn't know what they were talking about. Some people took all this in, as the truth. Now look and read what is continued to be told by Bennett & one handed Stevo, Stephen B. Marsden. Can you trust them to speak any truth at all? The remarks by Bennett & Marsden are worth nothing, the books produced by Stevo under what ever name he wants to use, mean NOTHING.
Both Mike and James Murray are very grateful to this forum for their support and assistance. The story is far from over, just entering a brand new positive phrase.
Peter.
http://justathoughtyouknow.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=guests&action=display&thread=273
Note - though Bennett has tried to hide it, that ruling
COVERED THE EXPRESS TOO
The PCC ruling is good to hear. It should be remembered that the complaint was just about the headline & story. There was NO complaint against the photographer Mike Gunnill. This despite posted items which were pure fiction and Bennett, Butler & the one handed* Stevo knew this. Especially Bennett & Stevo, since revealed as Stephen B. Marsden took their dirty little campaign and continued to harass the photographer. Note the fake web site ( mikegunnill.info ) which still carries details that have now been proved to be fiction-and this is the polite term. One handed* Stephen B. Marsden has posted several items in a number of forums over the months which were and are - just from his imagination, made up for effect.
Stevo, Stephen B. Marsden is full of his own importance and now the restriction while the PCC sat in judgment has been removed, a new chapter can begin. Actions have already started in the USA against Marsden and these are not idle threats or remarks as time will tell. Helped by several British MP's, documents have been filed within the American legal system which will highlight web hate crimes. Residents in the USA will no longer be able to hide behind freedom laws and they will no longer be able to abuse the American Constitution.
Finally remember what was said about this case, the Sunday Express and the two who covered the story. The flack they had to take from people who didn't know what they were talking about. Some people took all this in, as the truth. Now look and read what is continued to be told by Bennett & one handed Stevo, Stephen B. Marsden. Can you trust them to speak any truth at all? The remarks by Bennett & Marsden are worth nothing, the books produced by Stevo under what ever name he wants to use, mean NOTHING.
Both Mike and James Murray are very grateful to this forum for their support and assistance. The story is far from over, just entering a brand new positive phrase.
Peter.
http://justathoughtyouknow.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=guests&action=display&thread=273
christabel- Admin
- Number of posts : 1637
Age : 74
Location : OK
Registration date : 2008-04-26
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
Both Mike and James Murray are very grateful to this forum for their support and assistance. The story is far from over, just entering a brand new positive phrase.
Mmm I wonder what Sunday will bring, it is silly season too, the PCC timed this just right!
Rosie- Admin
- Number of posts : 4358
Registration date : 2008-04-27
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
Woo hoo, now they are officially stalkers.....Great, just great. We were all right, all along!
May- Master
- Number of posts : 498
Registration date : 2008-07-27
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
Good call by the PCC.
dianeh- Grand Member
- Number of posts : 3465
Age : 59
Location : Outback, Australia
Registration date : 2008-04-27
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
Merry Xmas Bennett and Co...NOT!!
Maybe he will now take a long hard look at himself and realise how wrong he is. Ok I did say 'maybe'..
Take my advice tb, its free, you are barking up the wrong tree in accusing the McCanns of Madeleines disappearance.
Maybe you should look closer to the source or your information that prompted you to write your stupid leaflets.
It may give you some real clues as to where and who Madeleine is with.
Step outside the box for one minute tb, you may see a bigger picture.
Maybe he will now take a long hard look at himself and realise how wrong he is. Ok I did say 'maybe'..
Take my advice tb, its free, you are barking up the wrong tree in accusing the McCanns of Madeleines disappearance.
Maybe you should look closer to the source or your information that prompted you to write your stupid leaflets.
It may give you some real clues as to where and who Madeleine is with.
Step outside the box for one minute tb, you may see a bigger picture.
Peaceful1- Grand Member
- Number of posts : 1104
Location : Australia
Registration date : 2009-07-18
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
Didn't we identify them as stalkers at the beginning - looks like we were RIGHT again - I think so far we're batting 100%.
calcite51- Star Poster
- Number of posts : 830
Location : Canada
Registration date : 2008-04-27
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
it may give you some real clues as to where and who Madeleine is with.
Step outside the box for one minute tb, you may see a bigger picture.
Yeah much bigger, someone with three chins and five bellies!
Rosie- Admin
- Number of posts : 4358
Registration date : 2008-04-27
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
This is great news although it's hard to imagine any other outcome from anyone with half a brain cell or more.
Jayelles- Apprentice
- Number of posts : 380
Location : Scotland
Registration date : 2009-04-19
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
(So let's begin by supposing Bennett genuinely holds the opinion....and he must know it can be nothing more.....that the McCanns may be guilty of something in relation to their daughter.)
So you hold an opinion, but what can possibly be the motivation for holding it with such certainty when you can know nothing first-hand about the case since you weren't there, and when there is no evidence to substantiate it?
So you hold an opinion, but what can possibly be the motivation for immediately judging as guilty people you don't know and have never met?
So you hold an opinion, but what can possibly be the motivation for going public with it when doing so must inevitably increase the grief and misery of what may be a desperate and grief-stricken mother and father, if there should be any mistake in what can be nothing more than an opinion you've formed? (And even you know you're not God!)
So you hold an opinion, but what can possibly be the motivation for maintaining with such determination the guilt of people you don't know when those who have known them for years, or who got to know them well in Portugal, believe them to be innocent?
So you hold an opinion, but what can possibly be the motivation for making up foul stories about a group of people you don't know and publicising those stories on websites?
So you hold an opinion, but what can possibly be the motivation for ridiculing and mocking, sometimes with near-blasphemy, the religion of the people about whom you hold it?
So you hold an opinion, but what can possibly be the motivation for continuing to hold it even when the official police conclusion, after months of investigation, is different?
So you hold an opinion, but what can possibly be the motivation for founding a hate-group with a name designed to confuse people as to its real purpose?
I'm not a psychologist or a psychiatrist of course, so I don't begin to understand the motivation.
Any ideas?
So you hold an opinion, but what can possibly be the motivation for holding it with such certainty when you can know nothing first-hand about the case since you weren't there, and when there is no evidence to substantiate it?
So you hold an opinion, but what can possibly be the motivation for immediately judging as guilty people you don't know and have never met?
So you hold an opinion, but what can possibly be the motivation for going public with it when doing so must inevitably increase the grief and misery of what may be a desperate and grief-stricken mother and father, if there should be any mistake in what can be nothing more than an opinion you've formed? (And even you know you're not God!)
So you hold an opinion, but what can possibly be the motivation for maintaining with such determination the guilt of people you don't know when those who have known them for years, or who got to know them well in Portugal, believe them to be innocent?
So you hold an opinion, but what can possibly be the motivation for making up foul stories about a group of people you don't know and publicising those stories on websites?
So you hold an opinion, but what can possibly be the motivation for ridiculing and mocking, sometimes with near-blasphemy, the religion of the people about whom you hold it?
So you hold an opinion, but what can possibly be the motivation for continuing to hold it even when the official police conclusion, after months of investigation, is different?
So you hold an opinion, but what can possibly be the motivation for founding a hate-group with a name designed to confuse people as to its real purpose?
I'm not a psychologist or a psychiatrist of course, so I don't begin to understand the motivation.
Any ideas?
maria theresa- Learner
- Number of posts : 112
Location : merseyside
Registration date : 2009-12-30
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
Erm, Insane? A nasty twisted mind? A God Complex?
Any one who believes that life as we know it has only exhisted for 6,000 years, is likely to believe anything that suits them.
Any one who believes that life as we know it has only exhisted for 6,000 years, is likely to believe anything that suits them.
Sabot- Star Poster
- Number of posts : 764
Location : France
Registration date : 2009-10-25
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
Exactly, Sabot!!
(I like ALL your suggestions!)
(I like ALL your suggestions!)
maria theresa- Learner
- Number of posts : 112
Location : merseyside
Registration date : 2009-12-30
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
Money. Don't forget money. And a desire for infamy.
bluj1515- Grand Member
- Number of posts : 1017
Location : United States
Registration date : 2009-06-30
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
Ditto.
Maria, his desire for fame, at all costs tb has to have it.
Sadly, it is on the back of a missing child. But tb wont let that get in the way of his search for fame.
Maria, his desire for fame, at all costs tb has to have it.
Sadly, it is on the back of a missing child. But tb wont let that get in the way of his search for fame.
Peaceful1- Grand Member
- Number of posts : 1104
Location : Australia
Registration date : 2009-07-18
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
Yes, the motivation for the book certainly has to be money...and revenge, perhaps, for the humiliation of having been thrown off the investigation...not by the British but by his own police authorities.
The search for fame, or notoriety, seems to be important, given his record with other cases.
The search for fame, or notoriety, seems to be important, given his record with other cases.
maria theresa- Learner
- Number of posts : 112
Location : merseyside
Registration date : 2009-12-30
Re: Daily Star/Sunday Express Reply to Complaint.
I think he has got a deep rooted problem with The Police in general.
Except for Gonzo, but then he agrees with him. Or is it the other way around? I have long suspected that Gonzo got some of his ideas from 3As.
Perhaps he sees himself as the White Knight? A helmet would be good.
Except for Gonzo, but then he agrees with him. Or is it the other way around? I have long suspected that Gonzo got some of his ideas from 3As.
Perhaps he sees himself as the White Knight? A helmet would be good.
Sabot- Star Poster
- Number of posts : 764
Location : France
Registration date : 2009-10-25
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