Unnamed celebrity in a psychiatric hospital fights to block ITN and Guardian from publishing sexual exploitation claims he denies

A "well-known" celebrity identified only as PPT is taking legal action against ITN and Guardian News and Media, asking the High Court to permanently block publication of allegations that he used his celebrity status to pursue "inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities with a large number of girls and young women." His legal team told the court that publication would be "potentially fatal," as PPT is currently held in a psychiatric hospital after two suicide attempts. Mr Justice Nicklin has urged the press and public not to speculate about his identity, stressing that online guesswork, however widely circulated, does not amount to authoritative identification.

PPT denies all allegations, including a specific claim that he was responsible for a sexual offence, and has said he has no plans to re-enter public life.

ITN and the Guardian are contesting the injunction; their barrister told the court that journalists spoke to more than 100 people during a "wide-ranging and rigorous investigation."

PPT's lawyers argued it would be "a travesty" for the court not to intervene, while ITN and the Guardian contend that his suicide risk is capable of being reduced and that there are no grounds to suppress "public interest journalism."