Complaint
The programme devoted time to discussing the claim of Sammy Woodward that Rotherham Council had approached her rapist, currently serving a 35-year prison sentence, to invite him to apply for custody of the child born as a result of the rape.Β A listener complained that the programme had represented this claim as a matter of fact.
Outcome
The claim was inaccurate, as the council had in fact contacted the rapist only to inform him of care proceedings involving the child, following what it believed to be a legal requirement.Β However, the programme (like large parts of the rest of the media) proceeded on the mistaken basis that it was correct.
Upheld
Further action
The finding was discussed with the programme team, who were reminded that widespread publication does not remove the need to assess the accuracy of newsworthy claims.