'Well-known' man asks court to stop publication of sexual offence allegation

An individual described as "well-known" has asked London's High Court to prevent two media organisations from publishing "serious allegations", including of a sexual nature, against him.

The court heard he had submitted medical evidence saying that if the allegations were made public this would "almost certainly" lead to him "attempting to take his own life", and that the prospect of publication had already led to two suicide attempts.

The court was told that Independent Television News and Guardian News & Media had carried out an investigation into the individual's "conduct over a period of years".

The individual, who has been granted anonymity in the court proceedings, denies the allegations.

The court was told that following an investigation that ITN, which produces news for ITV and Channel 4, and Guardian News & Media, which publishes the Guardian, sent two letters to the the well-known individual in the spring of 2026.

As well as denying the allegations, the individual responded with medical reports stating that there was a risk to his life if the information was published.

At an injunction hearing at London's High Court, lawyers representing ITN and Guardian News & Media said that "it would be wrong" for the court to "restrain publication" when the "law provides for a detailed and well-established scheme by which the interests of those at risk of suicide is specially protected by NHS mental health professionals".

The court has also granted anonymity to other individuals in the case.

Two individuals who have agreed to be identified in any ITN and Guardian News & Media report concerning the allegations were given anonymity in the current proceedings by High Court judge Mr Justice Nicklin. The nature of the allegations or how these two journalistic sources relate to them is not known.

A third journalistic source for the ITN and Guardian News & Media investigation has also been granted anonymity in the current proceedings. She has alleged that she was the victim of a sexual offence by the well-known individual.

The court will decide whether the ITN and Guardian News & Media will be permanently prevented from naming the well-known individual and publishing the allegations against him at a trial due to be held later this month.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC's Action Line.