View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. Comment
January 19, 2012

Police reject photographer’s ‘victimisation’ claims

By Cleland Thom

Greater Manchester Police today rejected suggestions its officers were targeting a magazine photographer who claims he has been assaulted by officers three times while doing his job.

Stuart Littleford, editor of the Government and Public Sector Journal, has filed three complaints against the force, including two in the last four weeks.

He says he now fears doing his job in the Manchester area.

But GMP Chief Inspector Rob Tinsley, said today: “I would vehemently refute any suggestion that any officers have or are specifically targeting any one individual, regardless of their occupation.”

He added: “The media plays a vital role in assisting with our appeals, reassuring communities and keeping residents updated about on-going initiatives and campaigns.

“We recognise and support freedom of press.”

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

The Chief Inspector’s assurance came despite GMP having to remind its officers that they must not stop the press from taking photographs in public places after an incident involving Littleford in November.

He claims his hands and legs were injured by a police officer while he was trying to cover another accident in Oldham.

The force’s Professional Standards Branch is investigating that incident and this week’s, following complaints by Littleford. The above picture has been supplied to Press Gazette and is understood to have been taken by a passer by. It shows the incident on 16 January in which Littleford says he was booked for obstruction after approaching a police officer at an incident scene carrying a camera.

A GMP spokesman said: “Professional Standards Branch investigators have tried to secure Mr Littleford’s full co-operation throughout the on-going investigation.

“We take all complaints about officers’ conduct extremely seriously and we endeavour to investigate all such matters thoroughly and fairly.

“We respect the rights of journalists and guidance has recently been re-iterated to all officers and staff about journalistic rights.

“This guidance is frequently delivered as part of a media training package to officers and was also recently re-enforced to all staff within the Road Policing Unit.”

But Littleford hit back: “If they’re giving out all this guidance, how come officers are behaving the way they are? Is it the officers don’t understand it – or choose to ignore it? It’s got to be one or the other.

“At every incident, the officers involved have deliberately moved around to prevent any photographs being taken.

“I have shown my press card and told them my occupation but this has made no difference at all.

“All were fully aware I was a bone fida journalist just trying to do my job. This is intimidation and bullying at it’s worst.”

Metropolitan Police guidelines state: “Members of the public and the media do not need a permit to film or photograph in public places and police have no power to stop them filming or photographing incidents or police personnel.”


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