Media
Journalists sacked over 'set-up' photo
The Guardian has reported that The People's picture desk has yet again found
itself in deep water.
Two members of staff, photographer David New and reporter Stewart Fowler, have
reportedly been dismissed over a fake image. The photograph, supposedly of a
teenage drug dealer haunting the gates of a school, was revealed to be New's
son. It was used to illustrate a story about 'kiddie coke' - the alleged sale
of drugs outside schools.
Although this image was published in April, the misconduct of the two members
of the editorial team did not come to light until News's estranged partner and
mother of the subject complained to the newspaper. Alexis Parr, a journalist
for the Mail on Sunday, revealed that her son had posed for the picture in place
of a real drug dealer, a teenager Fowler claimed to have made contact with by
the name of Rev. The story centred upon his actions and his attempt to sell
Fowler a bag of pills.
The allegations were immediately investigated by the newspaper who have subsequently
dismissed New and Fowler after being found guilty of misleading the public and
breaching trust. A spokesman at The People said that they could not release
any further information as New and Fowler have the right to appeal the decision.
The newspaper stands by the veracity of the story.
