Leveson reports inaccurately on NI murders

Ironically, on page 486, paragraph 3.10, under a section entitled ‘Consequences of inaccurate reporting’ Leveson reports on the deaths of Pam Surphils’ father and sister in 1992. However, Leveson refers to the murders as taking place in 1993, which is wrong.

The report in considering the effects of inaccurate reporting on victims notes the distress caused to Pam Surphlis when her father who was murdered in Cookstown in 1992 was described as a ‘witchcraft clergyman’ by a newspaper.

Leveson writes: “The potential damage done by inaccurate reporting can extend well beyond the intrinsic harm attendant on the distortion of fact.”

But he then goes on to inaccurately report on the death himself.

Leveson pointed out how evidence of factual misreporting does not merely relate to suicide but also to the reporting on cases of murder.

But his mistake came despite having heard evidence from Mrs Surphlis who is Director of Support After Murder and Manslaughter in Northern Ireland (SAMM NI).

Mrs Surphlis, described the routine inaccurate reporting by newspapers of murders committed in the province.

“These inaccuracies related to the family details, age and background of the victims, and overall sensationalising of the murders, with damaging consequences for the families of the victims.

“In her oral evidence Mrs Surphlis referred to the newspaper coverage of the murder of a 15 year old boy in which the victim was described as a heroin addict, when in fact he was diabetic,” the report notes.

But Leveson goes on to write: “Mrs Surphlis also described the press coverage following the murder of her father and sister in 1993. Her father, who was a faith healer, was described as a ‘witchcraft clergyman.’” This is inaccurate.

Speaking to the Mid Ulster Mail Mrs Surphils said: “I think this shows that even high up inquiries can get it wrong”

Ms Surphlis said she had not had a chance to look at the report but was aware of the recommendations.

“We are very much in favour of what the report has put forward, and we hope that the government does listen,” she said.

“I was accused at the time of trying to gag the press, but all I ever wanted was the media to think of the consequences of interacting with families.”

“I still feel that a Press Ombudsman is very much needed.”