Showbiz
Eight police officers have won libel damages from the BBC today after they were accused of unlawful killing during The Nicky Campbell Show.
The officers were involved in an incident where a mentally ill man was restrained and brought to a hospital where he died in January 1999. The next year the man's family appeared on The Nicky Campbell Show, falsely accusing the officers of unlawful killing.
Roger Sylvester's family appeared on the live broadcasts and made their claims in December 2000. Neither the Metropolitan Police or the officers in question were given the opportunity to contribute to the show.
The allegations were followed up by extensive enquiries, but a court ruled in November of 2004 that a verdict of unlawful killing would not be a "just vedict".
David Glen, counsel for the BBC, told the judge: "The BBC accepts responsibility for what is said in its programmes, by its own staff or outside contributors. On the BBC's behalf I apologise unreservedly to the officers for this programme, as well as for the distress it caused them."
The officers were involved in an incident where a mentally ill man was restrained and brought to a hospital where he died in January 1999. The next year the man's family appeared on The Nicky Campbell Show, falsely accusing the officers of unlawful killing.
Roger Sylvester's family appeared on the live broadcasts and made their claims in December 2000. Neither the Metropolitan Police or the officers in question were given the opportunity to contribute to the show.
The allegations were followed up by extensive enquiries, but a court ruled in November of 2004 that a verdict of unlawful killing would not be a "just vedict".
David Glen, counsel for the BBC, told the judge: "The BBC accepts responsibility for what is said in its programmes, by its own staff or outside contributors. On the BBC's behalf I apologise unreservedly to the officers for this programme, as well as for the distress it caused them."
More: Showbiz
Star Snaps
Ten Things...
Ten Things About... David BowieDigital Spy celebrates David Bowie's birthday with ten fast facts.
Funny Videos
Funny videos: Gary Oldman, Will FerrellDigital Spy handpicks the latest viral videos.
