Unnamed celebrity suing ITN and the Guardian over 'inappropriate sexual activities' claims is detained in a psychiatric hospital, court hears

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 October 2026.

A man known in proceedings only as PPT — currently detained in a psychiatric hospital and described as "well-known" — is pursuing legal action against ITN and Guardian News and Media, seeking a permanent injunction to block publication of allegations that he used his celebrity status to engage in "exploitative sexual activities with girls and young women." His legal team told the High Court that exposure of this kind would be "highly likely" to push him towards suicide, not because of guilt but from fear of "trial by media." Mr Justice Nicklin, presiding over the two-day trial, noted there was "significant public interest" in the case and warned the press and public against attempting to identify PPT.

PPT denies using his "power and position as a celebrity" to pursue young women and teenagers for sex, and says he has no plans to re-enter public life.

ITN and the Guardian argued that his suicide risk was capable of being reduced and that there was "no proper basis" to suppress what they described as legitimate public-interest journalism.