View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. News
February 16, 2011

Hull Daily Mail journalist uncovers vital evidence that jails rapist

By Dominic wireposts

There’s a great story in the Hull Daily Mail today revealing how the paper’s court reporter Nicky Harley did the job of the police for them and helped put a rapist behind bars.

The man was convicted at a re-trial after Harley tracked down a retired detective who worked on the original investigation back in 1985 and found out that he had photographs of the crime scene which revealed discrepancies in the defence case. The former detective had no idea that the orginals of the photos had been lost and they proved crucial in securing a conviction.

It’s surprising that the police did not think to do this sort of basic leg-work themselves and amazing that a local newspaper crime reporter (who I am sure is extremely busy anyway) found the time to do this.

Retired detective superintendent Barry Lilley told the Hull Daily Mail: “Having a spare copy (of crime scene pictures) produced was a regular practice of mine. I’m pleased these photos have now formed the backbone of the prosecution evidence, which finally brought a guilty plea to this despicable, serious crime. I congratulate Nicky Harley, from the Mail, for her dedication and endeavours.”

Mail deputy editor Paul Hartley told holdthefrontpage: “Nicky is a consummate professional. Thanks to her initiative and determination this man is now facing jail for his crime and the relatives of the victim have finally seen justice done after 25 years.

“It’s an outstanding piece of journalism which once again shows how local newspapers really can make a difference.”

Topics in this article : ,

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 dose 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 Progressive Media Investments 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