Resolution Statement – 04061-25 Humphreys v The Sun

Summary of Complaint

1. Daniel Humphreys complained to the Independent Press Standards Organisation that The Sun breached Clause 1 (Accuracy) of the Editors’ Code of Practice in an article headlined “COP AND VICTIM SENT 40K SEXTS”, published on 4 October 2025.

2. The article reported on the complainant’s court case, in which he was convicted for “misconduct in public office by sharing confidential police information”. In particular, it reported “[the complainant…] sent [another party] a photo of a stab victim and details about criminals. Other messages were sexist, homophobic and racist, it was said.”

3. The article also appeared online in substantially the same format under the headline “COP SEXTS Cop jailed after passing confidential info to his lover as they shared more than 40,000 intimate messages”.

4. The complainant said that the article was inaccurate in breach of Clause 1. He said it was never heard in court that the messages were “sexist, homophobic and racist”. He also said they did not form part of the charges, indictment or sentencing remarks.

5. While the publication accepted the exact words: the “messages were sexist, homophobic and racist” were not heard in court, it did not consider the article was significantly inaccurate. It provided the reporter’s shorthand notes, showing a selection of the complainant’s messages that were read out in court. The publication considered the messages contained discriminatory slurs and that, therefore, the article’s reporting that the messages were sexist, homophobic and racist were a fair summary of their content.

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

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

7. During IPSO’s investigation the publication offered to publish the correction in print in the 'Corrections and Clarifications' box, and as a footnote in the online article after the online article is amended:

"Contrary to what a 4th Oct article implied ("Cop and victim sent 40k sexts"), the court did not state, find, or hear that PC Humphreys’ messages were racist, sexist, or homophobic. This description was our interpretation, not a matter of record. We are happy to clarify."

8. The complainant said that this would resolve the matter to his satisfaction.

9. 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: 05/10/2025

Date complaint concluded by IPSO: 26/11/2025