Unnamed celebrity tries to gag Guardian and ITN over sexual claims involving girls, saying exposure could drive him to suicide

An unnamed man, identified in proceedings only as PPT, appeared before the High Court on Tuesday in a bid to obtain a permanent injunction barring ITN and Guardian News and Media from publishing allegations that he used his celebrity status to pursue "inappropriate sexual activities with a large number of girls and young women." Since the two news organisations first contacted him for comment, he has made two suicide attempts and is now detained in a psychiatric hospital under involuntary supervision. The two-day trial will decide whether publication should be permanently blocked on the grounds that his life is at risk.

The joint investigation drew on more than 100 interviews, among them over 30 sources with first-hand accounts, and ITN and Guardian News and Media maintain there is a "strong" public interest in publication.

PPT's barrister Sara Mansoori KC told the court her client could survive publication only if he were "locked up and prevented from his desire to end his life."

His legal team argues that his extreme reaction stems from childhood trauma and fear of 'trial by media', not guilt — PPT "vehemently denies" exploiting his position to pursue young women and teenagers.