View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. Media Law
March 5, 2015

Prosecution of Sun chief reporter John Kay is ‘hallmark of oppressive regime’, Old Bailey told

By Press Gazette

The Old Bailey was told yesterday how a Fleet Street reporter who has been “at the top of his game" for 50 years has been placed on trial for simply doing his job.

Sun chief reporter John Kay, 71, has been in the dock at the Old Bailey for two months accused of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office by paying government employees for stories.

Kay is on trial along side Sun executive edtir Fergus Shanahan, royal editor Duncan Larcombe and deputy editor Geoff Webster.

Defence QC Trevor Burke yesterday told the jury how the stories involved in the case against Kay included: a spate of suicides at Deepcut army barracks, shortages of flak jackets for combat troops and the resignation of an army bomb disposal chief amid concerns about resources.

Burke said: “Despite all his achievements and the contribution he’s made he finds himself, at 71 years of age, in the dock at the Old Bailey – a venue normally reserved for murderers.

“And he’s on trial for what? No more, no less than simply doing his job – period.”

He asked the jury to: “Please recognise how disturbing it is that journalists who only ever report the news accurately, honestly and fearlessly now find themselves prosecuted in our criminal courts.

Content from our partners
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition
Publishing on the open web is broken, how generative AI could help fix it
Impress: Regulation, arbitration and complaints resolution

“Historically this has always been the hallmark of oppressive regimes that seek to restrict free speech, crush the press and silence open debate. But be in no doubt — it is exactly what is happening right here, right now.”

Burke said it was "an absolute outrage" that Kay should be prosecuted over revealing a shortage of flak jackets for soldiers fighting in Iraq.

He said: “Whatever the risks to himself, John Kay saw it as his fundamental duty to hold the powerful to account and speak up for those who have no voice.

“If John Kay and his profession do not do it on your behalf, who will?

“If he doesn’t, you won’t read about it. And don’t you think you are entitled to read about it?”

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 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