View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

Photographer punched in the face while doorstepping Liberal Democrat MP Mike Hancock’s home

By Darren Boyle

A journalist was punched in the face this morning as he tried to doorstep Liberal Democrat MP Mike Hancock.

Police arrested a 37-year-old man following the incident at the MP’s home on Rockingham Way, Fareham in Hampshire.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: "A reporter received an injury to his nose during the incident.

"Police officers attended and are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Content from our partners
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition
Publishing on the open web is broken, how generative AI could help fix it

"A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault, and is being taken into custody where he will be interviewed by officers today."

The Portsmouth South MP has been suspended by his party after a report found “compelling” evidence of “serious and unwelcome sexual behaviour” to a female constituent.

A copy of the report was leaked to the Order-Order blog.

Portsmouth City council engaged Nigel Pascoe QC to conduct an investigation into the complaint against Hancock.

Pascoe concluded: "I consider that the prima facie evidence of his unwelcome sexual approaches remains unquestionably a very serious matter in the light of the position which he holds and his knowledge from the beginning of the vulnerability of (the complainant).

"No one in public life should allow themselves to act in such an irresponsible and damaging way."

Pascoe completed his report last August but Portsmouth City council decided against publishing its findings until any court proceedings have concluded.

A spokesperson for the party said: "The Liberal Democrats have this afternoon, for the first time, had sight of a Portsmouth City Council report by Nigel Pascoe QC into allegations of sexual impropriety by Mike Hancock.

"Given Nigel Pascoe QC's conclusions in his report, we have immediately suspended Mike Hancock's membership of the party."

Topics in this article : ,

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network