Family row on CCTV featured on Granadaland TV

At approximately 10.50 on 27th May 2005 ITV news from Manchester(section of National News) showed several detailed colour stills from CCTV footage from Rochdale Centre CCTV as part of a news item.

The newsreader explained that what was an apparent abduction of a young Asian woman was part of a family argument and no complaints had been made, nor charges made.

This bizarre news item begs many questions.

Why were these images broadcast ? The participants were known to the Police and evidently had provided an explanation for this incident which had been accepted. There was no suggestion that witness identification was wanted nor was it needed. There was apparently no crime committed, therefore none to solve. No request for public assistance was made, no contact details provided.

Was this merely shown as entertainment ? Why were these images supplied to ITV ? Who made the decision to provide them and for what stated reason ? Did ITV pay for the use of the images, if so how much and to whom ? Why did ITV show them on the news ?

This raises serious questions about the use of CCTV, privacy, ownership of images obtained, their use and publication, which must be asked…and must be answered. big.bro will be asking Chief Superintendent Sweeney to answer the questions raised above. We will also raise the issue with RMBC and local Councillors.

Elswehere today, the case of 4 men in Liverpool charged with “ voyeurism and misconduct in public office", noted in an earlier posting, continued today. The 4 council workers who were in court, didn’t enter pleas but solicitors for the men maintained they were innocent of the charges. The case was adjourned for a preliminary hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on 14 June.