Summary of complaint
We’ve received complaints from some people who are unhappy reports on the Southport stabbings identified the attacker as having autism, as they feel this stigmatises people with the condition.
Our response
We were careful in our approach to this story to report with sensitivity. We believe our coverage of this incident to be both factual and fair.Β
Our report was about the naming, for the first time, of the teenager accused of the Southport murders and his appearance at Liverpool Crown Court.Β
In our court reporting we aim to reflect what is said comprehensively and accurately, and here we were reflecting the position of the prosecution who, in arguing against naming the attacker, stated he had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.Β
There is no suggestion in the piece that his condition contributed to his actions, only that it was stated as a reason for not naming him.