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Good example of why I think news publishers should be wary of rewriting press releases from the authorities:
A @metpoliceuk press release published upon conviction implied that two defendants trafficked and controlled a woman's sex work for gain: https://news.met.police.uk/images/wai-tsang-and-wenwen-pan-2092208
A @metpoliceuk press release published upon conviction implied that two defendants trafficked and controlled a woman's sex work for gain: https://news.met.police.uk/images/wai-tsang-and-wenwen-pan-2092208
But the couple were acquitted of those two charges against the young woman
They were found guilty of people trafficking and controlling prostitution in relation to other women, subject to different charges
The Met's release implies jurors convicted the couple of trafficking her
They were found guilty of people trafficking and controlling prostitution in relation to other women, subject to different charges
The Met's release implies jurors convicted the couple of trafficking her
It states her allegations as fact, her experience may have happened, but jurors didn't find it proved, I wouldn't dare writing such an article
It's inaccurate and defamatory
The press release was rewritten and published by a couple of news outlets:
It's inaccurate and defamatory
The press release was rewritten and published by a couple of news outlets:
I admit, I'm bitter that no one bought my story, but happily gobbled up the Met's press release without questioning it in the slightest
This is why news on criminal justice must not rely on press releases from the authorities
Police should police
Prosecutors should prosecute
This is why news on criminal justice must not rely on press releases from the authorities
Police should police
Prosecutors should prosecute
What's the point in the open justice principle if reporters don't actually go to court to report first hand?
London is a city of 10m odd people, but the only crown court with reporters on a daily basis is the Old Bailey
London is a city of 10m odd people, but the only crown court with reporters on a daily basis is the Old Bailey
