Regret the Error » news of the world

Apology

Craig Silverman — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:00:27 +0000

LEST any doubt arose from our articles in August 2008 on the acquittal of Barry George for the murder of Jill Dando, we are happy to make it clear we accept that the jury’s verdict in acquitting Mr George was correct.
Following allegations made in other articles published in October 2008, we accept that Mr George did not pose a threat to Kay Burley nor was he obsessed with her or with the fiancee of Steve Wright, the Suffolk Strangler, nor did he pester any woman who had a dog for sale.
We apologise to Mr George for the upset and distress caused by these allegations.

Apology

Craig Silverman — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:00:01 +0000

IN an article on 3 February 2008 headlined "Evil on benefits" we described Shakil Akhtar as the "treasurer" of a militant Islamic cell responsible for funding terrorism. Mr Akhtar is not involved in the funding of terrorism or a member of a militant cell and we apologise to him for the embarrassment and distress caused by our article.

Not guilty of porn possession

Craig Silverman — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:00:12 +0000

IN our edition dated April 12, 2009, we reported that Thomas Tolan, below, a current inmate of Maghaberry prison was facing disciplinary proceedings having allegedly been found by prison officials to be in possession of hard core pornographic DVDs.

It has been pointed out to us by Mr Tolan that he was not in fact found in possession of any such material and that he was fully exonerated by the authorities in respect of the matter.

We are happy to correct this matter and regret any embarassment caused to Mr Tolan.

Apology

Craig Silverman — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:00:26 +0000

LAST Sunday, we published a story claiming sacked City trader Elliott Short, 22, had won £20 million in a year betting on horses.

Short said he had won the money by taking bets from punters at online betting exchange Betfair.

Betfair, while not commenting on individual accounts, say Mr Short’s claims were inaccurate and the News of the World was misled.

While the information was published in good faith and efforts were made to verify the story, our journalism fell below the high standards readers are entitled to expect, in particular the failure to check the story more thoroughly with Betfair. We regret that error and apologise to readers.