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May 17, 2006updated 22 Nov 2022 7:19pm

Sun and Star condemned for reporting of Rochelle murder

By Press Gazette

Dominic Ponsford

The parents of murdered schoolgirl Rochelle
Holness have condemened tabloid press reporting of the crime and
launched Press Complaints Commission cases against The Sun and The Star.

John McGrady was jailed yesterday for raping, murdering and then mutilating the body of the 15-year-old.

Speaking outside the Old Bailey her parents said, through a
lawyer: “The last eight months for us have been a living hell. On the
28th of September, when Rochelle was found, we did not understand the
extent of the problems we would face.

“We have been deeply shocked by the timing of the cruel, sensationalist reporting by some of the tabloid press.

“We hope that those responsible for causing us so much unnecessary pain
will today feel the shame that has so far been absent, for their
behaviour has been as inhumane as John McGrady's.”

The PCC confirmed that complaints under clause one of the
Editors’ Code – accuracy – have been lodged against The Sun and The
Star.

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