Sunday World's investigative journalism vindicated by judge
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Version 0 of 1. A Northern Ireland man accused by a newspaper of being an Ulster Volunteer Force thug, gangster and godfather has lost a legal action in which he claimed that articles about him amounted to harassment. A judge held on Wednesday that despite the articles in the Sunday World having caused distress to Colin Fulton publication was reasonable and “a robust expression of press freedom”. Mr Justice Deeny, sitting in the high court in Belfast, rejected Fulton’s argument that the accusations breached his right to life as enshrined in article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The judge said he did not consider the motivation of the Sunday World’s journalists to be vindictive; it was “to expose criminal conduct and wrongdoing.” Fulton’s action concerned 28 articles published by the newspaper between August 2012 and January 2014, some of which alleged that he had been involved in illegality. Fulton, who denied that he had ever been a member of the UVF or any other paramilitary organisation, insisted the stories were untrue and that they had put his life at increased risk from dissident republicans. But the judge said: “Having heard the two experienced and courageous journalists concerned I am satisfied that they were acting in good faith in publishing the articles.” He said Fulton had given inconsistent and contradictory answers, with unconvincing denials to many allegations. Although Fulton denied UVF membership he attended marches attended marches organised by UVF members. He also flew the UVF flag, associated with alleged members of the organisation and was prominent as a representative of loyalism in his home area. The court learned that Fulton joined the Progressive Union Party (PUP), which is generally regarded as the UVF’s political wing, in 2010. “I formed the view that he did relish his notoriety, as counsel put to him,” said Mr Justice Deeny. He was satisfied, having heard evidence from the two Sunday World journalists, that they were acting in good faith in publishing the articles, their sources were known to them and were cross checked by them. The Sunday World’s northern editor, Richard Sullivan, said: “This judgment is a welcome recognition of the importance of courageous and responsible journalism. “It’s a vindication of our right to investigate criminal activity, and it sends a clear message to lawbreakers that they cannot hide behind the law.” Sources: Northern Ireland Courts & Tribunal Service/Sunday World |