Mick



Despite the poor reputation of the entire trade of journalism, there are good and decent reporters who - I hope - heavily outnumber the appalling, unfeeling and unethical beasts of the sort that would try to contact a minor in the way you describe. The broad principle probably applies to most areas of human activity.

I have worked in newspapers for most of my life and now occupy a reasonably senior position (predominantly in news; writing about folk music is a small part of what I do). The issue of approaches to people who find themselves in the media spotlight after some awful event is a tricky one, and I would willingly participate in the future debate you propose.

But if any reporter under my command acted in this way, I would regard it as serious enough to warrant dismissal. I am not even sure I would quarrel with your argument that it has the feel of predatory criminal conduct.

My thoughts, as expressed in an earlier message, remain with you and both families.