Resolution Statement – 00059-25 Family of Jean and Brian Davies v express.co.uk

Summary of Complaint

1. The family of Jean and Brian Davies complained to the Independent Press Standards Organisation that express.co.uk breached Clause 1 (Accuracy) of the Editors’ Code of Practice in an article headlined “Elderly couple won £60k after lucky mistake but tragically died before they could spend it”, published on 29 December 2024.

2. The article, which appeared online only, reported “An elderly couple were overjoyed when they won big in the Postcode Lottery, but died in tragic circumstances before they got a chance to enjoy the money. Jean Davies from Billinge in Merseyside, was presented with bumper £60,000 prize in December 2018, after winning the Christmas draw. In an amazing stroke of luck, Jean had registered twice by mistake, and would otherwise won £30k, MailOnline reports.” It went on to report “Tragically she never got a chance to enjoy the cash prize.”, and that her husband “Brian Snr. died only a few months later on November 1st, before the pair could enjoy the windfall.”

3. The complainants said that the headline and text of article was inaccurate in breach of Clause 1. The complainants said it was inaccurate to report that Brian and Jean Davies had not enjoyed their lottery winnings – in fact they had spent part of their lottery winnings on a home extension and holidays prior to their deaths.

Relevant Clause Provisions

Clause 1 (Accuracy)

i) The Press must take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information or images, including headlines not supported by the text.

ii) A significant inaccuracy, misleading statement or distortion must be corrected, promptly and with due prominence, and — where appropriate — an apology published. In cases involving IPSO, due prominence should be as required by the regulator.

iii) A fair opportunity to reply to significant inaccuracies should be given, when reasonably called for.

iv) The Press, while free to editorialise and campaign, must distinguish clearly between comment, conjecture and fact.

Mediated Outcome

4. The complaint was not resolved through direct correspondence between the parties. IPSO therefore began an investigation into the matter.

5. During IPSO’s investigation the publication offered to remove the article and associated social media posts. 6. The complainants said that this would resolve the matter to their satisfaction.

7. As the complaint was successfully mediated, the Complaints Committee did not make a determination as to whether there had been any breach of the Code.

Date complaint received: 15/04/2025

Date complaint concluded by IPSO: 14/05/2025