‘Suicidal’ celebrity accused of sex abuse could be named today after ‘missing deadline’ for appeal

After his case was dismissed by Mr Justice Nicklin, he had been given until 4.30pm on Monday to appeal the decision.

The Court of Appeal said on Monday it had not received anything from the celebrity before the deadline, meaning reporting restrictions may be lifted.

Outlets ITN and The Guardian had approached the star after they claimed to have interviewed more than 100 people with knowledge of his alleged misconduct, including 30 “first-hand” accounts.

The news organisations said they believe it is in the public interest to publish the allegations that the famous individual abused his position of power to engage in “inappropriate sexual activities with a large number of girls and young women”.

The celebrity, who denies all the allegations against him, said publication would mean he was “highly likely” to kill himself, and applied for the injunction, claiming it would breach his right to life under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Rejecting the notion, Mr Justice Nicklin said the “court did not determine whether the allegations, or any of them, were true” but noted the star’s threats to kill himself should be taken seriously.

However, he ruled the NHS psychiatric services should fulfil his right to live, instead of gagging media reports.

He had given the individual the opportunity to appeal – saying it was “important that such an appeal should take place without delay” – but the deadline has now passed without one appearing to have being lodged at the Court of Appeal.

Sara Mansoori KC, defending the well-known individual, said her client is “in a highly vulnerable position” and has “not been in a position to give us instructions on any appeal”.

The individual tried to kill himself when he was informed about the allegations in May, she said. He then repeated this attempt in July.

He is currently being cared for in hospital, having absconded from a clinic in the summer.

“The [media outlets] wish to publish allegations of wrongdoing which he denies and which the evidence is clear will highly likely lead to his death or psychological injury,” she told the court.

“They say they have a duty to publish because it’s substantially in the public interest, but their assessment of the public interest is wrong.

“A newspaper does not have the right to publish information at the cost of an individual being killed or maimed.

“The only way [publication] wouldn’t be fatal is if the claimant is locked up and prevented from taking his own life.”

The news organisations’ report contains “serious allegations about the conduct” of the individual, Mr Justice Nicklin wrote in his ruling, including “alleged abuse of power, sexual misconduct and inappropriate conduct towards younger or vulnerable persons.”

Lawyers for the media outlets said it was up to medical professionals to manage that risk – not a judge.

Gavin Millar KC, for ITN and GNM, said the treatment the man receives in hospital will aim to reduce his risk of suicide and he will only be discharged again when the hospital is satisfied it is no longer necessary to detain him for his own safety.

The Guardian and ITN insist the allegations were gathered after “a wide-ranging and rigorous investigation” and that there was a “strong” public interest in publishing them.

He said that they intend to publish “numerous allegations” that the man had abused his status to try to engage in “inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities with a large number of girls and young women”.

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