Latest news with #IndependentPressStandardsOrganisation
North Wales Live
4 days ago
- North Wales Live
Inquest opens into tragic death of Athrun Lombardo off Llandudno coast
An inquest has been opened into the tragic death of teenager Athrun Lombardo. A major land, sea and air search was launched after the 16-year-old vanished on May 10 while staying in Llandudno with his parents and brother. The teenager, said to have complex needs and being autistic and dyspraxic, was last seen at the resort's West Shore wearing only his blue swimming shorts. Four days later his body was found in the sea and a paramedic at Conwy lifeboat station confirmed his death. After a post-mortem examination, Home Office pathologist Dr Jonathan Medcalf gave a provisional cause of death as drowning. At the opening of an inquest in Ruthin, John Gittins, Senior Coroner for North Wales East and Central, said the family, from Emmersons Green, Bristol, had been visiting Mrs Lombardo's parents in Llandudno and staying in an Airbnb. The inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed. Following the youngster's tragic death, Chief Inspector Trystan Bevan, of North Wales Police, said: 'Our thoughts are very much with Athrun's family, who wish to thank all agencies and members of the public for their overwhelming support with the search, and for not giving up on his recovery. 'This is not the outcome anyone hoped for, but we hope it can now provide some answers for Athrun's family. I continue to ask for their privacy to be respected at this incredibly difficult time.' Why journalists cover inquests and why it's crucial that we do Reporting on an inquest can be one of the hardest types of stories a journalist can write. More often than not, they are emotionally charged proceedings attended by grief-stricken people who are desperate for answers. Sometimes, inquests can seem quite clinical due to a coroner's need to remain impartial and level-headed so that they can draw a conclusion from desperately sad events. As painful as these proceedings are for those who have lost a loved one, the lessons that can be learned from inquests can go a long way to saving others' lives. Families are often surprised - and sometimes angry - when they see a reporter in attendance. Understandably they worry the nature of their loved one's death will be sensationalised and that a news story will forever tarnish their memory. Responsible and ethically minded journalists will do what they can to report inquests sensitively, while not shying away from the often upsetting facts. It is vital that the public don't forget that inquests are a type of judicial inquiry; they are after all held in a coroner's court. The press has a legal right to attend inquests and has a responsibility to report on them as part of their duty to uphold the principle of 'open justice'. But in doing so journalists must follow the guidance provided by the Independent Press Standards Organisation and set out in Editors' Code of Conduct. It's a journalist's duty to make sure the public understands the reasons why someone has died and to make sure their deaths are not kept secret. An inquest report can also clear up any rumours or suspicion surrounding a person's death. But most importantly of all, an inquest report can draw attention to circumstances which may stop further deaths from happening. Inquests are not criminal courts - there is no prosecution or defence - they are fact-finding tribunals which seek to answer four key questions: Who is the person who died? Where did they die? When did they die? How did they die? They do not apportion blame. Once these questions are answered a coroner will be able to record a conclusion. The wider lessons that can be learned from an inquest can have far-reaching consequences - but if journalists do not attend them how can the public be made aware? The harsh reality is they can't. Coroners often do not publish the results of an inquest. Should journalists shy away from attending inquests then an entire arm of the judicial system - and numerous others who need to answer vital questions - is not held to account. Inquests can often prompt a wider discussion on serious issues, the most recent of these being mental health and suicide. Editors actively ask and encourage reporters to speak to the family and friends of a person who is the subject of an inquest. Their contributions help us create a clearer picture of the person who died and also provides the opportunity to pay tribute to their loved one. Often families do not wish to speak to the press and of course that decision has to be respected. However, as has been seen by many brilliant campaigns run by newspapers and websites up and down the country, the input of a person's family and friends can make all the difference in helping to save others.
North Wales Live
05-05-2025
- North Wales Live
Welsh woman died on Greek island hotel balcony
A Welsh woman was found hanged on the balcony of her hotel room on the Greek island of Zakynthos, an inquest has heard. 23-year-old Melissa Cross, from Merthyr Tydfil, died by suicide, a coroner ruled. The care worker died on September 25, 2023, at the Golden Sun, a four-star hotel in the resort town of Kalamaki, Pontypridd Coroners' Court heard. Coroner Kerrie Burge said: "There had been no previous indications that Melissa would harm herself but Melissa had sent a goodbye message to her family explaining her thoughts and intentions." The coroner added: "On the balance of probabilities it is more likely than not that Melissa intended to take her own life by her actions." Ms Cross was born in Merthyr Tydfil and was a resident of the town at the time of her death, the court heard. Why journalists cover inquests and why it's crucial that we do Reporting on an inquest can be one of the hardest types of stories a journalist can write. More often than not, they are emotionally charged proceedings attended by grief-stricken people who are desperate for answers. Sometimes, inquests can seem quite clinical due to a coroner's need to remain impartial and level-headed so that they can draw a conclusion from desperately sad events. As painful as these proceedings are for those who have lost a loved one, the lessons that can be learned from inquests can go a long way to saving others' lives. Families are often surprised - and sometimes angry - when they see a reporter in attendance. Understandably they worry the nature of their loved one's death will be sensationalised and that a news story will forever tarnish their memory. Responsible and ethically minded journalists will do what they can to report inquests sensitively, while not shying away from the often upsetting facts. It is vital that the public don't forget that inquests are a type of judicial inquiry; they are after all held in a coroner's court. The press has a legal right to attend inquests and has a responsibility to report on them as part of their duty to uphold the principle of 'open justice'. But in doing so journalists must follow the guidance provided by the Independent Press Standards Organisation and set out in Editors' Code of Conduct. It's a journalist's duty to make sure the public understands the reasons why someone has died and to make sure their deaths are not kept secret. An inquest report can also clear up any rumours or suspicion surrounding a person's death. But most importantly of all, an inquest report can draw attention to circumstances which may stop further deaths from happening. Inquests are not criminal courts - there is no prosecution or defence - they are fact-finding tribunals which seek to answer four key questions: Who is the person who died? Where did they die? When did they die? How did they die? They do not apportion blame. Once these questions are answered a coroner will be able to record a conclusion. The wider lessons that can be learned from an inquest can have far-reaching consequences - but if journalists do not attend them how can the public be made aware? The harsh reality is they can't. Coroners often do not publish the results of an inquest. Should journalists shy away from attending inquests then an entire arm of the judicial system - and numerous others who need to answer vital questions - is not held to account. Inquests can often prompt a wider discussion on serious issues, the most recent of these being mental health and suicide. Editors actively ask and encourage reporters to speak to the family and friends of a person who is the subject of an inquest. Their contributions help us create a clearer picture of the person who died and also provides the opportunity to pay tribute to their loved one. Often families do not wish to speak to the press and of course that decision has to be respected. However, as has been seen by many brilliant campaigns run by newspapers and websites up and down the country, the input of a person's family and friends can make all the difference in helping to save others. Without the attendance of the press at inquests questions will remain unanswered, debates unargued and lives lost. For confidential support the Samaritans can be contacted for free around the clock 365 days a year on 116 123.
North Wales Live
02-05-2025
- North Wales Live
Tragedy as man found dead in river after night out in Caernarfon
A man was tragically found dead in a river near Caernarfon town centre following a night out, an inquest heard today. Huw Melfyn Williams was found dead in the Afon Seiont on December 15 last year, two days after he had gone out for drinks with colleagues. An inquest held in Caernarfon on Friday, May 2 heard that it remains unclear how he ended up in the water, or how he died. A pathologist found no clear evidence that Mr Williams, of Tan y Coed, Gardolbenmaen, had drowned, and a coroner said there was no evidence he intended to take his own life. Kate Robertson, senior coroner for North West Wales, gave a narrative conclusion, and said she "regrettably" couldn't say for certain what had happened. You can sign up for all the latest court stories here Mr Williams had been a volunteer with the Welsh Highland Railway (WHR) and was on a night out with two colleagues on Friday, December 13. Catherine Paige, one of the colleagues, told how Mr Williams had volunteered for the WHR for 18 months and worked for four days a week. He loved "every second" of the work and was thoughtful and helpful. But latterly his lower leg had gone "purple" and he was persuaded to go for treatment. Catherine, known as Cathy, said: "He was extremely strong but did not like a fuss. Why journalists cover inquests and why it's crucial that we do Reporting on an inquest can be one of the hardest types of stories a journalist can write. More often than not, they are emotionally charged proceedings attended by grief-stricken people who are desperate for answers. Sometimes, inquests can seem quite clinical due to a coroner's need to remain impartial and level-headed so that they can draw a conclusion from desperately sad events. As painful as these proceedings are for those who have lost a loved one, the lessons that can be learned from inquests can go a long way to saving others' lives. Families are often surprised - and sometimes angry - when they see a reporter in attendance. Understandably they worry the nature of their loved one's death will be sensationalised and that a news story will forever tarnish their memory. Responsible and ethically minded journalists will do what they can to report inquests sensitively, while not shying away from the often upsetting facts. It is vital that the public don't forget that inquests are a type of judicial inquiry; they are after all held in a coroner's court. The press has a legal right to attend inquests and has a responsibility to report on them as part of their duty to uphold the principle of 'open justice'. But in doing so journalists must follow the guidance provided by the Independent Press Standards Organisation and set out in Editors' Code of Conduct. It's a journalist's duty to make sure the public understands the reasons why someone has died and to make sure their deaths are not kept secret. An inquest report can also clear up any rumours or suspicion surrounding a person's death. But most importantly of all, an inquest report can draw attention to circumstances which may stop further deaths from happening. Inquests are not criminal courts - there is no prosecution or defence - they are fact-finding tribunals which seek to answer four key questions: Who is the person who died? Where did they die? When did they die? How did they die? They do not apportion blame. Once these questions are answered a coroner will be able to record a conclusion. The wider lessons that can be learned from an inquest can have far-reaching consequences - but if journalists do not attend them how can the public be made aware? The harsh reality is they can't. Coroners often do not publish the results of an inquest. Should journalists shy away from attending inquests then an entire arm of the judicial system - and numerous others who need to answer vital questions - is not held to account. Inquests can often prompt a wider discussion on serious issues, the most recent of these being mental health and suicide. Editors actively ask and encourage reporters to speak to the family and friends of a person who is the subject of an inquest. Their contributions help us create a clearer picture of the person who died and also provides the opportunity to pay tribute to their loved one. Often families do not wish to speak to the press and of course that decision has to be respected. However, as has been seen by many brilliant campaigns run by newspapers and websites up and down the country, the input of a person's family and friends can make all the difference in helping to save others. Without the attendance of the press at inquests questions will remain unanswered, debates unargued and lives lost. "I think he was just fed up with the heavy work we did. It was very tiring," she said. On the Friday night, she met Mr Williams and another WHR worker - Erfyl Wyn Williams - in Wetherspoons in Caernarfon. They visited various pubs in the town that night with Huw Williams apparently leaning against a wall to get his balance at one point. In his statement Erfyl Wyn Williams said in the two weeks before his death Huw Williams had become "angry and agitated". He "knew all the contact details" for the Hergest Unit and for mental health support. At the end of the night of Friday, December 13 Erfyl Wyn Williams left Huw Williams outside the Palace Vaults pub while he went inside to get a drink for himself and water for Huw Williams. When he came outside, Huw Williams had gone and couldn't be contacted by phone despite repeated attempts. Neither of his colleagues could trace him so they later drove out to find him and came across police on Sunday, December 15. Police Constable Gwen Jones said CCTV footage showed Huw Williams walking along St Helen's Road at midnight then past SP Energy at 1.05am. Sergeant Jamie Aston said he saw what appeared to be a body in the river trapped against fallen trees after bad weather. He identified the body as the missing Mr Williams. Consultant pathologist Dr Mark Atkinson, who conducted a post mortem examination at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, said he could not find evidence of drowning. "The lungs were not overly waterlogged. There was no indication of swallowed water," he said. Mr Williams had a reading of just under twice the legal limit for driving but it would have taken "a lot of drink" to get to that level, said Dr Atkinson. He added: "There is some heart disease but (overall) I can't tell what happened." The coroner said it was likely Huw Williams was under the influence of alcohol when he entered the river but it couldn't be determined how he entered the water. She couldn't give the family any certainty about how the tragedy had happened, adding: "Regrettably, sometimes the evidence just is not there (but) I don't feel Huw intended to end his life."
North Wales Live
02-05-2025
- North Wales Live
One-year-old girl who died in Gwynedd caravan park tragedy is named
A one-year-old girl who died following a collision at a Gwynedd caravan park has been named. Mabel Elizabeth Baldini tragically died in hospital after being struck by a vehicle at the site last week. A coroner today opened an inquest into her death in Caernarfon. Kate Robertson, senior coroner for North West Wales, heard that North Wales Police were told about a collision between the child and a vehicle at the Bryn Gloch caravan site in Betws Garmon near Caernarfon on April 28. Paramedics took her to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool where she died a short time later. Ms Robertson said the provisional cause of death has been given as a "severe head injury". You can sign up for all the latest court stories here The coroner said that given the unnatural nature of the death she was opening an inquest. She adjourned it pending further investigations. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday She passed on her sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mabel, who had been born in Crewe on December 28, 2023. North Wales Police previously said they had been called to the collision at around 10.20am. Sergeant Simon Hughes of the Roads Crime Unit had said: 'Our profound sympathies remain with the girl's family at this extremely difficult time. They will now be supported by a specially-trained Family Liaison Officer. "The investigation to establish the cause of the collision is well underway and I would like to thank all those who assisted on the site." Why journalists cover inquests and why it's crucial that we do Reporting on an inquest can be one of the hardest types of stories a journalist can write. More often than not, they are emotionally charged proceedings attended by grief-stricken people who are desperate for answers. Sometimes, inquests can seem quite clinical due to a coroner's need to remain impartial and level-headed so that they can draw a conclusion from desperately sad events. As painful as these proceedings are for those who have lost a loved one, the lessons that can be learned from inquests can go a long way to saving others' lives. Families are often surprised - and sometimes angry - when they see a reporter in attendance. Understandably they worry the nature of their loved one's death will be sensationalised and that a news story will forever tarnish their memory. Responsible and ethically minded journalists will do what they can to report inquests sensitively, while not shying away from the often upsetting facts. It is vital that the public don't forget that inquests are a type of judicial inquiry; they are after all held in a coroner's court. The press has a legal right to attend inquests and has a responsibility to report on them as part of their duty to uphold the principle of 'open justice'. But in doing so journalists must follow the guidance provided by the Independent Press Standards Organisation and set out in Editors' Code of Conduct. It's a journalist's duty to make sure the public understands the reasons why someone has died and to make sure their deaths are not kept secret. An inquest report can also clear up any rumours or suspicion surrounding a person's death. But most importantly of all, an inquest report can draw attention to circumstances which may stop further deaths from happening. Inquests are not criminal courts - there is no prosecution or defence - they are fact-finding tribunals which seek to answer four key questions: Who is the person who died? Where did they die? When did they die? How did they die? They do not apportion blame. Once these questions are answered a coroner will be able to record a conclusion. The wider lessons that can be learned from an inquest can have far-reaching consequences - but if journalists do not attend them how can the public be made aware? The harsh reality is they can't. Coroners often do not publish the results of an inquest. Should journalists shy away from attending inquests then an entire arm of the judicial system - and numerous others who need to answer vital questions - is not held to account. Inquests can often prompt a wider discussion on serious issues, the most recent of these being mental health and suicide. Editors actively ask and encourage reporters to speak to the family and friends of a person who is the subject of an inquest. Their contributions help us create a clearer picture of the person who died and also provides the opportunity to pay tribute to their loved one. Often families do not wish to speak to the press and of course that decision has to be respected. However, as has been seen by many brilliant campaigns run by newspapers and websites up and down the country, the input of a person's family and friends can make all the difference in helping to save others. Without the attendance of the press at inquests questions will remain unanswered, debates unargued and lives lost.
Telegraph
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Jewish Chronicle spared investigation over ‘fabricated' Gaza articles
The Jewish Chronicle has been spared an investigation by the press watchdog after it was accused of publishing a series of fabricated articles about the war in Gaza. The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) has decided not to launch an investigation into the world's oldest Jewish newspaper despite concerns about editorial standards. However, the regulator said it would continue to monitor the title and asked bosses to submit regular reports containing any concerns. It comes after the Jewish Chronicle was caught up in a scandal over articles by Elon Perry, a UK-based Israeli writer, about the Gaza conflict. The newspaper published a series of stories by Mr Perry that purported to reveal details of Israeli military operations. This included a story in September claiming a document had been uncovered showing that Yahya Sinwar, the former leader of Hamas who was killed last year, was planning to escape to Iran with several hostages taken during the October 7 attacks. While the story was promoted by some parts of the Israeli media, as well as members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's family, it was quickly dismissed by other Israeli news outlets as a 'wild fabrication', while the IDF denied that any such document existed. Further reporting by Israeli media raised doubts over Mr Perry's CV, including claims about his journalistic background and his 15-year tenure as a professor at Tel Aviv University. Following an internal investigation, the Jewish Chronicle took down all articles by Mr Perry. At the time, it said: 'The Jewish Chronicle maintains the highest journalistic standards in a highly contested information landscape and we deeply regret the chain of events that led to this point. 'We apologise to our loyal readers and have reviewed our internal processes so that this will not be repeated.' The controversy prompted the resignation of a number of high-profile columnists, including Jonathan Freedland, David Aaronovitch, Hadley Freeman and David Baddiel, who criticised what they deemed a shift in the newspaper's political stance under the leadership of editor Jake Wallis Simons. Mr Wallis Simons stepped down as editor in February and was replaced by David Schwammenthal, a former Dow Jones and Wall Street Journal reporter. The row also fuelled questions over the ownership of the Jewish Chronicle. Formerly owned by the Kessler Foundation, the title was bought in 2021 by a consortium led by Robbie Gibb, the former BBC executive and adviser to Theresa May, but the identity of its backers is unknown. The newspaper last year said it planned to convert into a charitable trust. IPSO, which was formed in 2014 in the wake of the Leveson Inquiry, said it had begun monitoring the Jewish Chronicle in 2020 after a pattern of upheld complaints raised concerns about editorial standards and delays in dealing with complaints. It said the newspaper's compliance improved following the appointment of a managing editor to handle complaints in-house, with no complaints upheld in 2024. However, fresh concerns were raised in September in the wake of the scandal involving Mr Perry, which led to the watchdog holding meetings with senior management, including chief executive Jo Bucci, Mr Wallis Simons and Mr Schwammenthal. The newspaper blamed the issues in part on staff absences and set out a number of reforms, including hiring additional newsroom staff and rolling out extra training for journalists. IPSO said it had decided that a formal standards investigation was not necessary. However, the watchdog will continue to monitor editorial processes at the newspaper. Lord Faulks, IPSO chairman, said: 'This was a concerning incident, and IPSO examined closely what happened and the actions the Jewish Chronicle has taken to prevent any recurrence. 'The publication's senior leadership team has engaged seriously and meaningfully with IPSO as we investigated. We will continue to work with them to ensure that the changes made are lasting and effective.' IPSO has published a report into concerns about editorial standards at the Jewish Chronicle but acknowledges the publisher's efforts to understand concerns and address them. Read IPSO's report here (1/3) — IPSO (Independent Press Standards Organisation) (@IpsoNews) April 8, 2025 The Jewish Chronicle has been contacted for comment. Coverage of the conflict in Gaza has proved controversial and the Jewish Chronicle is not the only outlet to fall foul in its reporting. Earlier this year, the BBC pulled a documentary about Gaza after it emerged that the programme's 13-year-old narrator was the son of a Hamas official. Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, summoned BBC director general Tim Davie and chairman Samir Shah to an urgent meeting over the film, while regulator Ofcom warned it could intervene. The BBC has apologised and admitted to 'serious flaws' in the production process.
