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Newspaper Editor

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CornishTea

Member since
August 2019

91 posts

Posted Tue January 9, 2024 4:33pmReport post

Hi,

As you know my husband was convicted in Aug 2022. At the time it was in the local paper, picture and full address. Obviously shared in local Facebook groups.
However it has also been shared by people in my son's peer group which has been distressing. Where we live is a small close with an unusual name less than 10 houses.

So if you google our address the newspaper conviction comes up. Son is applying for jobs etc and I do wonder if this has any impact.

Anyway I emailed the editor of the paper, to ask if he would remove the article to prevent distress to myself and my family, so it cannot be linked and forwarded.

He said no, he gave no rationale, said he would remove it if inaccurate or breached GDPR.
I feel immensely disappointed and it feels a bigger blow than it should. I find it upsetting that newspapers talk about mental health, provide links to mental health support if there is a distressing article but when asked to do something meaningful and practical it's no.
I absolutely hate that I am treated like I am also a perpetrator, that no matter what this will be as much as my sentence as it is my husbands. I just wanted to try and protect my children from any further distress. There is absolutely no recognition or a knowledgement of the trauma to non offending family members.
As I type this I am in tears and just feel so powerless.

Cornish Tea

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2554 posts

Posted Tue January 9, 2024 4:52pmReport post

Ahh bless you Cornish Tea - I send a hug.

It's all so bloody unfair, I would be struck off this forum if I used the words I really feel about the media.

Nowadays whatever I read in newspapers etc I always spare a thought for the relatives of the person - a sensational story is all they want, even if it impacts children's lives...... they really don't seem to care.

Try not to look at any of it, it'll only upset you. Also 'try' not to overthink of the impact, promise it'll soon settle xxxxxxxxx

Edited Tue January 9, 2024 4:54pm

Ocean

Member since
September 2023

771 posts

Posted Tue January 9, 2024 8:27pmReport post

My heart goes out to you. I had exactly the same response when I asked the editor or our local paper to take the article down as well so I know exactly how you feel.
There are companies out there who advertise the removal of online articles but they are expensive and not something I am currently exploring. I was told though that the likelihood of someone googling my person was low so I cling to that reassurance. I think the likelihood of someone googling an address is even lower.

Sorry I don't have any words of wisdom to offer you but let's hope that in time something will come along that will give us all the right to have those old news stories removed.

Distressed and pregnant

Member since
November 2020

1001 posts

Posted Tue January 9, 2024 9:06pmReport post

Hi,

know it doesn't help you right now but I wanted to add onto Oceans comment that I believe once the SHPO is completed the offender can apply for the right to be forgotten xxx

AnxiousGirl

Member since
December 2023

222 posts

Posted Wed January 10, 2024 7:17amReport post

Post deleted


Edited Thu February 22, 2024 8:46am

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2554 posts

Posted Wed January 10, 2024 8:15amReport post

The media stated the facts of what my son did, but it was the way it was worded - put a completely different spin on what actually happened.

Made him sound like a horrible pervert. BUT I know the truth and to be honest that ship has sailed now and I do my best to put it behind me.

Edited Wed January 10, 2024 8:19am

Louise49

Member since
January 2021

494 posts

Posted Wed January 10, 2024 9:21amReport post

The media is the biggest fear for me and everyone in here. I'm sorry the editor wasn't more helpful. These articles ruin lives. Yes they've offended and it's very wrong but I don't agree they need to print peoples address? Like why do the public need to know?. I've said it before about the SOR. My partner registered on the sor straight after his plea hearing. It's a private register strictly monitored so Joe bloggs can't just go the the police station and ask for names of people on the sor so how come media can print their names?! I don't get it!

EllBee

Member since
April 2022

142 posts

Posted Wed January 10, 2024 10:12amReport post

This is my worst fear too Cornish Tea. I sent you a private message X

sadso

Member since
December 2023

89 posts

Posted Wed January 10, 2024 5:47pmReport post

I know exactly how you feel , I don't condone what my family member was sent to his phone he didnt ask for it again not condoning not defending but the media left this whole part out they dosnt write he was but they manipulated the headline and choices of words they know wxcatly what they are doing and again editor was not interested even after me mentioning suicides and innocent families and the backlash from the public to my family he didn't care he didn't care when I mentioned everyone's mental health and the fact we've all had to be put on medication and splashed all over social media he just disnt care , I know this is what happens but because we know the exact truth I am so angry because what they wrote was very misleading to the public but was informed this is ehat they do , its so sad all round and I never stop thinking abkut the innocent babies and kids that are the victims more needs to be done, the media cause more trauma to us as families and relatives than ehat were already facing hope it gets a little easier for everyone xxx

CornishTea

Member since
August 2019

91 posts

Posted Sat January 13, 2024 4:57pmReport post

Thank you all for replying, I really appreciate you all taking the time.

I knew that i would be in good company and that many of you would be able to empathise. I think that more could be done by the media in the proteection of non offending victims, but unfortunately that doesn't sell newspapers.

This particular editor makes a point about promoting mental health etc on his social media but clearly that is just an image he wants potray, clearly talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk.



Cornish Tea xx