View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

Judge puts reporting ban on Alfie Patten ‘dad at 13’ story

By Press Gazette

A High Court judge in London has today imposed reporting restrictions on the story of “father at 13” Alfie Patten.

The order, made by Mrs Justice Baron in the Family Division, does not prevent publication of details already in the public domain, but bans the revelation of any new information.

On Friday, The Sun published a front-page splash following the birth of a baby girl to 15-year-old Chantelle Stedman in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

It has been reported that 13-year-old Alfie Patten is to undergo a DNA test to determine whether he is the father of baby Maisie.

Following a hearing in private today, a statement was provided to reporters explaining the judge’s reasons for making the order.

It said the ban had arisen “as a result of press intrusion” and also “because of allegations made by at least two others that they may be the putative fathers of Maisie”.

“The court received information that the private and family life of the mother and baby had been disrupted to such an extent that the court was concerned about the mother and baby being unable to lead a normal family life,” the statement said.

Content from our partners
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition
Publishing on the open web is broken, how generative AI could help fix it

“It was equally important to the court that the young putative father should be able to live his life and return to school.”

The restrictions remain in place until 6pm on 10 March, when a further hearing is scheduled.

East Sussex County Council confirmed earlier today that it had written to the Press Complaints Commission, which has launched its own inquiry into the story, expressing “serious concern about the level of media interest”.

A council spokesman told Press Gazette this afternoon: “We believe the interests of the children are not being well-served by the current media coverage.”

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network