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History

Christopher Jefferies

Victim Gave statements at the hearings on 28 November 2011 (AM) and 28 February 2012 (PM) ; and submitted 4 pieces of evidence

First witness statement 2 November 2011

This is an account of his treatment by the press at the time of his arrest, his grounds for the subsequent libel action against eight publications, the outcome and the impact of these experiences on him, his family and friends both at the time and in the succeeding period. He includes numerous quotations from libellous articles and gives an example of failure to report criticism of the press coverage at the time by Joanna Yeates’s partner. Her refers to the convictions of the Sun and Daily Mirror for contempt of court for their reporting, and he notes that he could not have taken action without a conditional fee agreement (CFA).

Oral evidence 1 28 November 2011

Morning session, beginning transcript p9

Questioned by Robert Jay QC, Jefferies covers much the same ground as his first statement, but adds an account of an exchange of letters with Baroness Buscombe, the director of the Press Complaints Commission (PCC), in which he states: ‘As things stand it seems that newspapers, in the search for sensation and increased sales, will take any risks, knowing that the penalties available are unlikely seriously to hurt them.’ He also criticises the coverage of his case by one, unnamed broadsheet newspaper, which he says refused to print letters from readers that were critical of that coverage.

Second witness statement (undated)

This relates to Module 2, press and police. Jefferies alleges that ‘inappropriate interactions’ between police and press were ‘in large part responsible’ for his ordeal. Police leaks influenced the press and press reports influenced the police. At this time he was suing Avon and Somerset Constabulary (ASC) for false imprisonment, breach of human rights and trespass. He states that ASC confirmed to him that his name was leaked to the press at the time of his arrest, and refers in detail to Mirror reporting. He concludes that the penalties for police leaks of this kind should be higher and refers to an unsuccessful attempt by Anna Soubry MP in June 2010 to introduce legislation permitting the jailing of journalists who name uncharged suspects.

Oral evidence 2 28 February 2012

Afternoon session, beginning transcript p1

Questioned by Robert Jay QC, Jefferies covers the same ground and also discusses a letter commenting on these issues from ASC Chief Constable Colin Port.

Hearing Videos and Transcripts

28 November 2011 (AM)

28 February 2012 (PM)

Witness Statement

Second Witness Statement of Christopher Jefferies
Witness Statement for witness Christopher Jefferies
Witness Statement of Christopher Jefferies
Witness Statement for witness Christopher Jefferies

Evidence

Oral Evidence given by Christopher Jefferies
Oral Evidence for witness Christopher Jefferies
Oral Evidence given by Christopher Jefferies
Oral Evidence for witness Christopher Jefferies

Themes

Understand all the key topics and the context behind the Inquiry's findings

Journalism & society
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Regulation
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Politics
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Future of journalism
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Background & history
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Subsequent developments
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Ethics & abuses
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