Meanwhile, Gavin Millar KC, who was representing ITN and The Guardian, said the “unprecedented” claim pushed the hearing into “assessing the causes of suicidal ideation, which are for professionals and not for a judge”.
He continued: “His contention is that if the allegations are published he will commit suicide, and the state’s duty requires this court to restrain [the outlets] from publishing them.
“If the state owes a duty to PPT, it is discharged by NHS mental health services and practitioners. The obligation falls on the hospital to keep him safe, and that’s that.”
The lawyer further explain that publication would offer a “valuable contribution to a debate of public importance about men using their power to be able to misconduct themselves against women”.
Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.
