BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
The Complete Mystery of Madeleine McCann™ :: Social Media :: Brenda Leyland: Gerry McCann called for example to be made of 'trolls'
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
I hope the son (s?) will sue every newspaper who in the past and future used/will use the word troll.plebgate wrote: thetruthmatters @truthmatters197
#mccann well police confirm well suprise suprise no criminal tweets were made by brenda so pros stalked a women for nothing
Why the heck was this dossier ever made and sent to the police. Will the person who sent the dossier now be charged with wasting police time?
I also hope he will put an investigator on the trail of who compiled that file, although "Howie's what's his name" made it clear it came from the family.
____________________
"And if Madeleine had hurt herself inside the apartment, why would that be our fault?" Gerry
http://pjga.blogspot.co.uk/?m=0
http://whatreallyhappenedtomadeleinemccann.blogspot.co.uk/
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
plebgate wrote: natalie charlesworth @nataliecharlesw
SHOCKING Brunt said he hoped he hadn't ruined her day
Did he say that just now during the inquiry??
____________________
"And if Madeleine had hurt herself inside the apartment, why would that be our fault?" Gerry
http://pjga.blogspot.co.uk/?m=0
http://whatreallyhappenedtomadeleinemccann.blogspot.co.uk/
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
aquila wrote:I was going to attend the inquest. I decided against it.
Does anyone know if Sonia Poulton has tweeted anything as the day pans out?
Sonia Poulton
[ltr]@SoniaPoulton[/ltr]
· 10m10 minutes ago
[ltr]RIP #BrendaLeyland Verdict: suicide. I just watched an inquest that did not add up. And I was not the only person who thought that. #mccann[/ltr]
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
lj wrote:plebgate wrote: natalie charlesworth @nataliecharlesw
SHOCKING Brunt said he hoped he hadn't ruined her day
Did he say that just now during the inquiry??
I'm guessing he was referring to, at the time of his doorstepping. IMO he was playing, 'I was only doing my job' card.
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
aquila wrote:I was going to attend the inquest. I decided against it.
Does anyone know if Sonia Poulton has tweeted anything as the day pans out?
Just in...
[list="expanded-conversation expansion-container js-expansion-container js-navigable-stream"]
[*]Sonia Poulton
RIP
5 retweets 13 favorites
[*]Weiss retweeted
Seeking justice
1:29 PM - 20 Mar 2015 · Details
Hide conversation
[/list]
unquote.
When I heard about Brenda, the first thing that flashed into my mind was Dr. Kelly. I'm not convinced it was suicide esp as she was planning to visit her son in LA.
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
I would like to know if either the SKY News producer or editor was called as a witness and asked to explain their wall-to-wall coverage of Brunt's interview every 15 minutes for hours on end on SKY News - surely that level of coverage must have been a major factor in the thought processes that led her to commit suicide?
And did the Coroner make any comment or recommendation about the intensity of SKY News' coverage?
Notice how silent ALL the media have been about what was done to Brenda Leyland
And did the Coroner make any comment or recommendation about the intensity of SKY News' coverage?
Notice how silent ALL the media have been about what was done to Brenda Leyland
____________________
Dr Martin Roberts: "The evidence is that these are the pjyamas Madeleine wore on holiday in Praia da Luz. They were photographed and the photo handed to a press agency, who released it on 8 May, as the search for Madeleine continued. The McCanns held up these same pyjamas at two press conferences on 5 & 7June 2007. How could Madeleine have been abducted?"
Amelie McCann (aged 2): "Maddie's jammies!".
Tony Bennett- Investigator
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
http://coroners.leicester.gov.uk/search-inquests/?entryid78=582748&p=4&char=L
Case No:2686/14
Name of Deceased:LEYLAND, Brenda Kathryn Gabrielle
Gender:Female
Date of Birth:09/06/1951
Age:63yrs
Town:Burton Overy, Leicestershire
Medical Cause of Death
1a. Asphyxia
1b. Inhalation of helium
2. Citalopram toxicity
Circumstances
Brenda Leyland was found deceased in a hotel room at the Marriott Hotel, Leicester on the 4th October 2014. She had recently been upset by public exposure in the media and had been researching ways to end her life.
Inquest Status
Held
Date Inquest
Open08/10/2014
Hearing Date20/03/2015
Hearing Time:10.00
Type of Hearing:Final ( HMC Mrs C.E.Mason ).
Date Inquest: Closed20/03/2015
Conclusion:Suicide.
Case No:2686/14
Name of Deceased:LEYLAND, Brenda Kathryn Gabrielle
Gender:Female
Date of Birth:09/06/1951
Age:63yrs
Town:Burton Overy, Leicestershire
Medical Cause of Death
1a. Asphyxia
1b. Inhalation of helium
2. Citalopram toxicity
Circumstances
Brenda Leyland was found deceased in a hotel room at the Marriott Hotel, Leicester on the 4th October 2014. She had recently been upset by public exposure in the media and had been researching ways to end her life.
Inquest Status
Held
Date Inquest
Open08/10/2014
Hearing Date20/03/2015
Hearing Time:10.00
Type of Hearing:Final ( HMC Mrs C.E.Mason ).
Date Inquest: Closed20/03/2015
Conclusion:Suicide.
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
Sky News Statement.http://www.snappytv.com/tc/519763/107447
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
http://www.itv.com/news/central/update/2015-03-20/alleged-internet-troll-said-im-entitled-to-over-abuse-tweets/
Inquest resumes into the death of alleged internet troll
The inquest has resumed in Leicester into the death of an alleged internet troll, Brenda Leyland, who reportedly targeted the parents of missing Madeleine McCann.
20 March 2015 at 11:25am
Alleged internet troll on abuse tweets: 'I'm entitled to'
Sky News reporter Martin Brunt has told the Brenda Leyland inquest that he traced her from a police dossier using basic Internet search techniques.
He and a cameraman waited outside her house and approached her. When Brunt asked her why she was saying things about the McCanns she replied "I'm entitled to."
After the confrontation on camera Brunt stayed in Burton Overy to get shots.
He approached her again later same day and she invited him in for an off camera chat.
Brunt told the inquest Leyland told him "she tweeted about McCanns because she had concerns about fundraising. She seemed relaxed - I offered her the opportunity to do a full interview but she declined. I told Brenda Leyland we would use the "engagement" we'd had outside on camera.....she seemed to accept that. After our meeting Leyland told me over the phone, prior to the news item being aired 'oh I have thought about ending it all but I'm feeling better now - I've had a drink and I've spoken to my son in LA.'
I was devastated to find out that Brenda Leyland was dead."
– Martin Brunt, Sky News reporter
Last updated Fri 20 Mar 2015
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, MB will have 'proof' that BL 'phoned him' after their 'meeting' saying 'oh i have thought..............."
Because we only have his 'say so' about that, don't we?
Just like we have £11+ million, OG, BASED 'solely' on 'say so' from McCanns.
Shouldn't be to hard for Brunt to 'produce' the phone record, showing BL 'called' him, should it?
Or, indeed, BL's son, to get the record of the phone call.(from her 'provider')
Because, unless he has 'witnesses/records of' his 'call' we only have HIS 'word'. (BL 'called' him)
The only 'dissenter' to challenge his 'account', if he is telling a porky pie, is 'dead'!
----------------------------------------------------
Sky News reporter Martin Brunt has told the Brenda Leyland inquest that he traced her from a police dossier using basic Internet search techniques.
---------------------
I wish i could get my hands on 'a police dossier', an 'official' police 'dossier', (must be 'loads of 'them' lying about, that anyone can 'pick up') and use some basic internet search technique to trace things i want to find out.
Where, and who from, did Brunt get that police 'dossier'?
Did he get it from a er, 'serving' police officer?
Did he, or his employers, 'pay' a police officer for that 'police dossier'?
I don't see how he could have gotten 'a police dossier', do you?
Unless there was a 'co***pt' cop 'involved', somehow.
Perhaps that's WHO MB is 'not naming/revealing'?
I think i'll e-mail OG and ask them if they wouldn't awfully mind, me 'looking at a few of their police 'dossiers'' for 'research purposes', obviously.
Inquest resumes into the death of alleged internet troll
The inquest has resumed in Leicester into the death of an alleged internet troll, Brenda Leyland, who reportedly targeted the parents of missing Madeleine McCann.
20 March 2015 at 11:25am
Alleged internet troll on abuse tweets: 'I'm entitled to'
Sky News reporter Martin Brunt has told the Brenda Leyland inquest that he traced her from a police dossier using basic Internet search techniques.
He and a cameraman waited outside her house and approached her. When Brunt asked her why she was saying things about the McCanns she replied "I'm entitled to."
After the confrontation on camera Brunt stayed in Burton Overy to get shots.
He approached her again later same day and she invited him in for an off camera chat.
Brunt told the inquest Leyland told him "she tweeted about McCanns because she had concerns about fundraising. She seemed relaxed - I offered her the opportunity to do a full interview but she declined. I told Brenda Leyland we would use the "engagement" we'd had outside on camera.....she seemed to accept that. After our meeting Leyland told me over the phone, prior to the news item being aired 'oh I have thought about ending it all but I'm feeling better now - I've had a drink and I've spoken to my son in LA.'
I was devastated to find out that Brenda Leyland was dead."
– Martin Brunt, Sky News reporter
Last updated Fri 20 Mar 2015
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, MB will have 'proof' that BL 'phoned him' after their 'meeting' saying 'oh i have thought..............."
Because we only have his 'say so' about that, don't we?
Just like we have £11+ million, OG, BASED 'solely' on 'say so' from McCanns.
Shouldn't be to hard for Brunt to 'produce' the phone record, showing BL 'called' him, should it?
Or, indeed, BL's son, to get the record of the phone call.(from her 'provider')
Because, unless he has 'witnesses/records of' his 'call' we only have HIS 'word'. (BL 'called' him)
The only 'dissenter' to challenge his 'account', if he is telling a porky pie, is 'dead'!
----------------------------------------------------
Sky News reporter Martin Brunt has told the Brenda Leyland inquest that he traced her from a police dossier using basic Internet search techniques.
---------------------
I wish i could get my hands on 'a police dossier', an 'official' police 'dossier', (must be 'loads of 'them' lying about, that anyone can 'pick up') and use some basic internet search technique to trace things i want to find out.
Where, and who from, did Brunt get that police 'dossier'?
Did he get it from a er, 'serving' police officer?
Did he, or his employers, 'pay' a police officer for that 'police dossier'?
I don't see how he could have gotten 'a police dossier', do you?
Unless there was a 'co***pt' cop 'involved', somehow.
Perhaps that's WHO MB is 'not naming/revealing'?
I think i'll e-mail OG and ask them if they wouldn't awfully mind, me 'looking at a few of their police 'dossiers'' for 'research purposes', obviously.
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
Not sure what he meant really, it sounds a very odd/wierd thing to say to me. Natalie C. was tweeting live, so I thought he had said it when being questioned referring to the day he doorstepped her?MRNOODLES wrote:lj wrote:plebgate wrote: natalie charlesworth @nataliecharlesw
SHOCKING Brunt said he hoped he hadn't ruined her day
Did he say that just now during the inquiry??
I'm guessing he was referring to, at the time of his doorstepping. IMO he was playing, 'I was only doing my job' card.
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
plebgate wrote:Not sure what he meant really, it sounds a very odd/wierd thing to say to me. Natalie C. was tweeting live, so I thought he had said it when being questioned referring to the day he doorstepped her?MRNOODLES wrote:lj wrote:plebgate wrote: natalie charlesworth @nataliecharlesw
SHOCKING Brunt said he hoped he hadn't ruined her day
Did he say that just now during the inquiry??
I'm guessing he was referring to, at the time of his doorstepping. IMO he was playing, 'I was only doing my job' card.
If he said whilst doorstepping then it's nasty sarcasm.
Nice man.
Guest- Guest
Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
So many questions there Jean that seriously need answering IMO - if they arent it just smacks once again of covering it all upjeanmonroe wrote:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, MB will have 'proof' that BL 'phoned him' after their 'meeting' saying 'oh i have thought..............."
Because we only have his 'say so' about that, don't we?
Just like we have £11+ million, OG, BASED 'solely' on 'say so' from McCanns.
Shouldn't be to hard for Brunt to 'produce' the phone record, showing BL 'called' him, should it?
Or, indeed, BL's son, to get the record of the phone call.(from her 'provider')
Because, unless he has 'witnesses/records of' his 'call' we only have HIS 'word'. (BL 'called' him)
The only 'dissenter' to challenge his 'account', if he is telling a porky pie, is 'dead'!
----------------------------------------------------
Sky News reporter Martin Brunt has told the Brenda Leyland inquest that he traced her from a police dossier using basic Internet search techniques.
---------------------
I wish i could get my hands on 'a police dossier', an 'official' police 'dossier', (must be 'loads of 'them' lying about, that anyone can 'pick up') and use some basic internet search technique to trace things i want to find out.
Where, and who from, did Brunt get that police 'dossier'?
Did he get it from a er, 'serving' police officer?
Did he, or his employers, 'pay' a police officer for that 'police dossier'?
I don't see how he could have gotten 'a police dossier', do you?
Unless there was a 'co***pt' cop 'involved', somehow.
Perhaps that's WHO MB is 'not naming/revealing'?
I think i'll e-mail OG and ask them if they wouldn't awfully mind, me 'looking at a few of their police 'dossiers'' for 'research purposes', obviously.
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
snipped from news article
After our meeting Leyland told me over the phone, prior to the news item being aired 'oh I have thought about ending it all but I'm feeling better now - I've had a drink and I've spoken to my son in LA.'
So BL knew she was suicidal yet went ahead to air the programme.
That's bloody reckless and irresponsible! What kind of stupid reporter knowing a person's unstable state of mind would knowingly subject the person to that kind of affront and assault? He pushed her over the edge, no doubt about it, and should be held accountable for her death.
Any normal person labelled as "troll"and flashed on rolling news 24/7 would take it very badly, let alone somebody suffering from anxiety and feeling suicidal. Her son was right, MB was the straw that broke the camel's back.
Now that the police have confirmed she wasn't trolling, Sky should stop labelling her as that, should apologise and make amends to her family.
Is MB going to walk free from this (irresponsible behaviour) without punishment?
Let's wait and see. If he is let off, there should be a petition for him to be sacked, after all he admitted he was negligence of not paying attention to her seriously.
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
aiyoyo wrote:snipped from news article
After our meeting Leyland told me over the phone, prior to the news item being aired 'oh I have thought about ending it all but I'm feeling better now - I've had a drink and I've spoken to my son in LA.'
So BL knew she was suicidal yet went ahead to air the programme.
That's bloody reckless and irresponsible! What kind of stupid reporter knowing a person's unstable state of mind would knowingly subject the person to that kind of affront and assault? He pushed her over the edge, no doubt about it, and should be held accountable for her death.
Any normal person labelled as "troll"and flashed on rolling news 24/7 would take it very badly, let alone somebody suffering from anxiety and feeling suicidal. Her son was right, MB was the straw that broke the camel's back.
Now that the police have confirmed she wasn't trolling, Sky should stop labelling her as that, should apologise and make amends to her family.
Is MB going to walk free from this (irresponsible behaviour) without punishment?
Let's wait and see. If he is let off, there should be a petition for him to be sacked, after all he admitted he was negligence of not paying attention to her seriously.
IMO If there was a proper court case on this. Some of the feeble excuses used today would be ripped to shreds under cross examination.
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
plebgate wrote:Not sure what he meant really, it sounds a very odd/wierd thing to say to me. Natalie C. was tweeting live, so I thought he had said it when being questioned referring to the day he doorstepped her?MRNOODLES wrote:lj wrote:plebgate wrote: natalie charlesworth @nataliecharlesw
SHOCKING Brunt said he hoped he hadn't ruined her day
Did he say that just now during the inquiry??
I'm guessing he was referring to, at the time of his doorstepping. IMO he was playing, 'I was only doing my job' card.
Whatever way: it is a rather outrageous statement considered what followed.
What a sewer rat he is.
____________________
"And if Madeleine had hurt herself inside the apartment, why would that be our fault?" Gerry
http://pjga.blogspot.co.uk/?m=0
http://whatreallyhappenedtomadeleinemccann.blogspot.co.uk/
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
Sky TV reporter 'devastated' by suicide of McCann Twitter troll days after he exposed her, inquest hears
By Jennifer Smith for MailOnline
Published: 16:23, 20 March 2015 | Updated: 17:09, 20 March 2015
- Brenda Leyland died in October days after being approached by Sky News
- The 63-year-old had written hundreds of tweets about the McCann family
- She was confronted by Martin Brunt outside her Leicestershire home
- During exchange she said she was 'entitled' to write the negative posts
- Four days later Mrs Leyland's body was discovered in a hotel in Enderby
- Mr Brunt said he was left 'devastated' by her death at an inquest today
- The divorcee battled depression in the past and attempted suicide before
- A coroner said Sky had followed 'all guidelines' in its coverage of the story
By Jennifer Smith for MailOnline
Published: 16:23, 20 March 2015 | Updated: 17:09, 20 March 2015
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
The BBC's 'take' on the inquest:
--------------------------------------------------
McCann 'Twitter troll' Brenda Leyland 'killed herself'
Brenda Leyland was said to use the handle @sweepyface on Twitter
A woman who "trolled" Madeleine McCann's family on Twitter killed herself days after she was challenged by reporters, an inquest concluded.
Brenda Leyland, 63, from Leicestershire, was found dead after she was confronted by Martin Brunt from Sky News over the abuse.
Mr Brunt told the inquest in Leicester he had been "devastated" by her death.
Coroner Catherine Mason concluded she had killed herself and called for sales of helium to be regulated.
Confronted at home
The inquest heard that divorcee Mrs Leyland, of Burton Overy, posted 400 tweets about the McCann family between November 2013 and September 2014.
Madeleine went missing while on a family holiday in Portugal in 2007.
Mr Brunt told the inquest he and a cameraman confronted Mrs Leyland after Sky News obtained a dossier of alleged Twitter "trolls" handed to police.
She initially told him she was "entitled" to send the messages, later inviting him into her home for an interview.
Gerry McCann, with his wife Kate, previously told the BBC more needs to be done about online abuse
He told the hearing he kept her informed of his plans - which included picturing but not naming her - because he was aware it could have an impact.
Asked by the coroner if there was anything which indicated a concern for her life, Mr Brunt said: "No, but when I asked her how she was, she said 'oh I have thought about ending it all but I am feeling better - I have had a drink and spoken to my son'".
He said he thought her comments were a throw away remark and had no idea about her history of depression or a previous attempt at suicide.
She was found dead in a Leicester hotel after an overdose on 4 October.
"I was devastated, I still am and the enormity of what's happened will always be with me," Mr Brunt added.
The court also heard evidence from her son, who told the court the "panic and fear" she felt after the confrontation had been the final straw.
None of the messages sent by Mrs Leyland were directed personally at the McCanns, who have "no significant presence" on social media.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
The key issues in this case skilfully avoided and evaded by everyone - a vulnerable woman pushed over the edge by a bullying, story-hungry, pro-McCann media empire, and no-one seems to bat an eyelid or raise even a whisper of protest.
The 'Hacked Off' group is not hacked off.
The late Brenda Leyland: Media Victim.
--------------------------------------------------
McCann 'Twitter troll' Brenda Leyland 'killed herself'
Brenda Leyland was said to use the handle @sweepyface on Twitter
A woman who "trolled" Madeleine McCann's family on Twitter killed herself days after she was challenged by reporters, an inquest concluded.
Brenda Leyland, 63, from Leicestershire, was found dead after she was confronted by Martin Brunt from Sky News over the abuse.
Mr Brunt told the inquest in Leicester he had been "devastated" by her death.
Coroner Catherine Mason concluded she had killed herself and called for sales of helium to be regulated.
Confronted at home
The inquest heard that divorcee Mrs Leyland, of Burton Overy, posted 400 tweets about the McCann family between November 2013 and September 2014.
Madeleine went missing while on a family holiday in Portugal in 2007.
Mr Brunt told the inquest he and a cameraman confronted Mrs Leyland after Sky News obtained a dossier of alleged Twitter "trolls" handed to police.
She initially told him she was "entitled" to send the messages, later inviting him into her home for an interview.
Gerry McCann, with his wife Kate, previously told the BBC more needs to be done about online abuse
He told the hearing he kept her informed of his plans - which included picturing but not naming her - because he was aware it could have an impact.
Asked by the coroner if there was anything which indicated a concern for her life, Mr Brunt said: "No, but when I asked her how she was, she said 'oh I have thought about ending it all but I am feeling better - I have had a drink and spoken to my son'".
He said he thought her comments were a throw away remark and had no idea about her history of depression or a previous attempt at suicide.
She was found dead in a Leicester hotel after an overdose on 4 October.
"I was devastated, I still am and the enormity of what's happened will always be with me," Mr Brunt added.
The court also heard evidence from her son, who told the court the "panic and fear" she felt after the confrontation had been the final straw.
None of the messages sent by Mrs Leyland were directed personally at the McCanns, who have "no significant presence" on social media.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
The key issues in this case skilfully avoided and evaded by everyone - a vulnerable woman pushed over the edge by a bullying, story-hungry, pro-McCann media empire, and no-one seems to bat an eyelid or raise even a whisper of protest.
The 'Hacked Off' group is not hacked off.
The late Brenda Leyland: Media Victim.
____________________
Dr Martin Roberts: "The evidence is that these are the pjyamas Madeleine wore on holiday in Praia da Luz. They were photographed and the photo handed to a press agency, who released it on 8 May, as the search for Madeleine continued. The McCanns held up these same pyjamas at two press conferences on 5 & 7June 2007. How could Madeleine have been abducted?"
Amelie McCann (aged 2): "Maddie's jammies!".
Tony Bennett- Investigator
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
A coroner said Sky had followed 'all guidelines' in its coverage of the story
That exonerates Sky then. End of Story.
Sky followed all guidelines that makes it OK then, even though she'd died as a consequence of Sky unfair targeting and exposing her, that caused her distress to the extreme which was detrimental when compound with the depression she was suffering.
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
Daily Star
McCann Twitter troll killed herself after being exposed on TV
AN INTERNET troll who posted hundreds of abusive tweets attacking Madeleine McCann’s parents killed herself after she was exposed on national TV.
By Jerry Lawton / Published 20th March 2015
INQUEST: Brenda Leyland was unmasked after Sky News after 10 months tweeting abusive messages to the McCanns [SWNS]
Mum-of-two Brenda Leyland, 63, spent 10 months firing off messages about former GP Kate McCann, 47, and her heart specialist husband Gerry, 46, using the Twitter account @Sweepyface.
She was unmasked after Sky News was handed a dossier of offensive social media posts about the McCanns – including her’s - which were under investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Journalist Martin Brunt confronted Mrs Leyland on camera outside her home and asked why she was tweeting about the couple whose then-three-year-old daughter vanished while on holiday in Portugal in 2007.
She told him: ''I’m entitled to.’’
After inviting him in she explained she was 'particularly concerned’ the McCanns had left their daughter in their apartment the night she disappeared and had 'concerns about fund-raising’ for the Find Madeleine campaign.
She told him she had 'questions’ for the McCanns, thought Twitter was a 'means to express opinions’ and 'hoped she had not done anything unlawful’.
The TV news channel broadcast its investigation unmasking her as a troll 48 hours later.
Two days later she was found dead in her room at the Marriott Hotel, Leicester, with two canisters of helium gas – used to blow up party balloons – at her side.
An iPad nearby showed a website describing how to commit suicide using the gas, which can prove fatal in large quantities.
Police said she had used the tablet and her laptop to research how to kill herself.
Yesterday an inquest in Leicester heard she died from an overdose of helium and anti-depressants.
Her son Ben told police his mum, from Burton Overy, Leics, had a history of mental illness, had spent a long period in a psychiatric hospital and previously attempted suicide.
When he viewed her Twitter account he was shocked to see her profile picture was of his dog and she stated she lived in Los Angeles.
He said she was 'proud but stubborn’, was worried about how she was viewed by others in her 'social circle’, and her exposure as a troll was the 'final straw’.
''She was a broken wreck and completely destroyed by what had happened,’’ he added.
Mr Brunt told the inquest he had no knowledge of nor saw any sign of her mental health issues and was 'devastated’ by her death.
''The enormity of what happened will always be with me,’’ he said.
He had twice phoned her to keep her informed about the progress of the TV investigation and had assured her – though her face would be shown – she would not be named nor the village where she lived identified.
She told him in one call: ''Oh I have thought about ending it all but I’m feeling better.’’
But he dismissed it was a 'throwaway’ remark as she ended the 10-minute conversation saying: ''It was a pleasure to meet you.’’
Mrs Leyland’s former psychiatrist Dr Kajetan Zakrzewski said she suffered from 'recurrent depression, unstable emotional personality traits and changes of mood’.
He said she was 'sensitive to stress’ and her behaviour 'unpredictable’ but her mental issues would not have been obvious to others.
Police found she had posted 424 tweets about the McCanns over 10 months, calling them the 'worst of mankind’ and that they should 'suffer’ for the 'rest of their miserable lives’.
Though none justified prosecution police said some of the threats she received from other throlls after she had been exposed on TV were still being investigated.
Recording a suicide verdict coroner Catherine Mason said she was satisfied Sky News had followed 'all proper guidelines’ throughout its investigation and no-one could have foreseen what 'intelligent, loving, very proud’ Mrs Leyland was planning.
She intends to call for the sale of helium to be regulated.
McCann Twitter troll killed herself after being exposed on TV
AN INTERNET troll who posted hundreds of abusive tweets attacking Madeleine McCann’s parents killed herself after she was exposed on national TV.
|
INQUEST: Brenda Leyland was unmasked after Sky News after 10 months tweeting abusive messages to the McCanns [SWNS]
Mum-of-two Brenda Leyland, 63, spent 10 months firing off messages about former GP Kate McCann, 47, and her heart specialist husband Gerry, 46, using the Twitter account @Sweepyface.
She was unmasked after Sky News was handed a dossier of offensive social media posts about the McCanns – including her’s - which were under investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Journalist Martin Brunt confronted Mrs Leyland on camera outside her home and asked why she was tweeting about the couple whose then-three-year-old daughter vanished while on holiday in Portugal in 2007.
She told him: ''I’m entitled to.’’
After inviting him in she explained she was 'particularly concerned’ the McCanns had left their daughter in their apartment the night she disappeared and had 'concerns about fund-raising’ for the Find Madeleine campaign.
She told him she had 'questions’ for the McCanns, thought Twitter was a 'means to express opinions’ and 'hoped she had not done anything unlawful’.
The TV news channel broadcast its investigation unmasking her as a troll 48 hours later.
Two days later she was found dead in her room at the Marriott Hotel, Leicester, with two canisters of helium gas – used to blow up party balloons – at her side.
Mr Brunt wrote: “The enormity of what happened will always be with me”
An iPad nearby showed a website describing how to commit suicide using the gas, which can prove fatal in large quantities.
Police said she had used the tablet and her laptop to research how to kill herself.
Yesterday an inquest in Leicester heard she died from an overdose of helium and anti-depressants.
Her son Ben told police his mum, from Burton Overy, Leics, had a history of mental illness, had spent a long period in a psychiatric hospital and previously attempted suicide.
When he viewed her Twitter account he was shocked to see her profile picture was of his dog and she stated she lived in Los Angeles.
He said she was 'proud but stubborn’, was worried about how she was viewed by others in her 'social circle’, and her exposure as a troll was the 'final straw’.
''She was a broken wreck and completely destroyed by what had happened,’’ he added.
Mr Brunt told the inquest he had no knowledge of nor saw any sign of her mental health issues and was 'devastated’ by her death.
''The enormity of what happened will always be with me,’’ he said.
He had twice phoned her to keep her informed about the progress of the TV investigation and had assured her – though her face would be shown – she would not be named nor the village where she lived identified.
She told him in one call: ''Oh I have thought about ending it all but I’m feeling better.’’
But he dismissed it was a 'throwaway’ remark as she ended the 10-minute conversation saying: ''It was a pleasure to meet you.’’
Mrs Leyland’s former psychiatrist Dr Kajetan Zakrzewski said she suffered from 'recurrent depression, unstable emotional personality traits and changes of mood’.
He said she was 'sensitive to stress’ and her behaviour 'unpredictable’ but her mental issues would not have been obvious to others.
Police found she had posted 424 tweets about the McCanns over 10 months, calling them the 'worst of mankind’ and that they should 'suffer’ for the 'rest of their miserable lives’.
Though none justified prosecution police said some of the threats she received from other throlls after she had been exposed on TV were still being investigated.
Recording a suicide verdict coroner Catherine Mason said she was satisfied Sky News had followed 'all proper guidelines’ throughout its investigation and no-one could have foreseen what 'intelligent, loving, very proud’ Mrs Leyland was planning.
She intends to call for the sale of helium to be regulated.
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
Leicester Mercury (I seem to remember this publication gave the location of Brenda Leyland's home but I could be wrong).
Brenda Leyland inquest: 'McCann Twitter troll' told Sky News presenter she'd thought of 'ending it '
By Yasmin_Duffin | Posted: March 20, 2015
Brenda Leyland
Comments (2)
The Sky News presenter who confronted 'Twitter troll' Brenda Leyland has spoken at her inquest of his "devastation" after finding out she had taken her own life days after she had told him she had thought about "ending it all".
Martin Brunt has spoken at the full inquest into Ms Leyland's death, which has been taking place today at the Town Hall, in Leicester.
Ms Leyland took was found dead in a Leicester hotel room on October 4.
Her death came after Mr Brunt had confronted her about abusive tweets she had sent to the Gerry and Kate McCann, following the disappearance of their daughter, Madeline.
Mr Brunt confronted Ms Leyland on September 29.
He told the inquest how he and a cameraman waited outside her home in Burton Overy for three hours, waiting for Ms Leyland to appear.
When Ms Leyland came out of her house, he approached her, along with the cameraman and asked her: "Why are you using your Twitter account to attack the McCanns?"
He told how she initially turned away and then turned back and said: "I'm entitled to".
The following day, on October 1, Mr Brunt called Ms Leyland to tell her the footage would be broadcast.
During the phone call, Ms Leyland said to Mr Brunt: "I have been thinking about ending it all but I'm feeling better now."
Mr Brunt told the inquest how he thought this was just a "throwaway comment".
Coroner Catherine Mason today recorded a verdict of suicide.
Ms Leyland died from a helium overdose.
Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Brenda-Leyland-inquest-McCann-Twitter-troll/story-26205016-detail/story.html#ixzz3Ux7Aqb3W
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Brenda Leyland inquest: 'McCann Twitter troll' told Sky News presenter she'd thought of 'ending it '
By Yasmin_Duffin | Posted: March 20, 2015
Brenda Leyland
Comments (2)
The Sky News presenter who confronted 'Twitter troll' Brenda Leyland has spoken at her inquest of his "devastation" after finding out she had taken her own life days after she had told him she had thought about "ending it all".
Martin Brunt has spoken at the full inquest into Ms Leyland's death, which has been taking place today at the Town Hall, in Leicester.
Ms Leyland took was found dead in a Leicester hotel room on October 4.
Her death came after Mr Brunt had confronted her about abusive tweets she had sent to the Gerry and Kate McCann, following the disappearance of their daughter, Madeline.
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Why do people troll? Professor Brian Brown of De Montfort University discusses the issue after McCann abuse and Brenda Leyland death
'Twitter troll' Brenda Leyland had posted more than 4,000 messages about Kate and Gerry McCann before being outed
Hundreds of people react on Facebook and Twitter after learning about the death of Brenda Leyland, the woman accused of sending abusive message to Kate and Gerry McCann
Son of accused 'Twitter troll' Brenda Leyland pays tribute to mother: "I love you mum and will miss you forever"
'Twitter troll' Brenda Leyland found dead in Leicestershire hotel room after being accused of targeting Madeleine McCann's parents, Kate and Gerry
'Twitter troll' Brenda Leyland 'flees Leicestershire home' after being accused of targeting Madeleine McCann's parents, Kate and Gerry
Mr Brunt confronted Ms Leyland on September 29.
He told the inquest how he and a cameraman waited outside her home in Burton Overy for three hours, waiting for Ms Leyland to appear.
When Ms Leyland came out of her house, he approached her, along with the cameraman and asked her: "Why are you using your Twitter account to attack the McCanns?"
He told how she initially turned away and then turned back and said: "I'm entitled to".
The following day, on October 1, Mr Brunt called Ms Leyland to tell her the footage would be broadcast.
During the phone call, Ms Leyland said to Mr Brunt: "I have been thinking about ending it all but I'm feeling better now."
Mr Brunt told the inquest how he thought this was just a "throwaway comment".
Coroner Catherine Mason today recorded a verdict of suicide.
Ms Leyland died from a helium overdose.
Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Brenda-Leyland-inquest-McCann-Twitter-troll/story-26205016-detail/story.html#ixzz3Ux7Aqb3W
Follow us: @Leicester_Merc on Twitter | leicestermercury on Facebook
Liz Eagles- Posts : 11153
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
A very sad and tragic incident that should have been avoided.
For me, it highlights that Sky and all involved in the decision making processes within it, are just part of the Establishment. Certainly with regards to the McCann affair, Sky have demonstrated a bias in the reporting, offering the viewers a one-sided account.
A Broadcaster should be impartial and unbiased.Cover all opinions equally.I hardly think that Sky have been anywhere near those values in the McCann case.Instead, individuals who voice concerns about the honesty and innocence of these parents in the disappearance of their daughter, are targeted as 'trolls'.Sky took a pathetic dossier of alleged 'abusive' comments about the parents as a reason to support the parents.
Sky is not a campaigning and independent Broadcaster with values that promote equality of views and opinions.It is looking more like an aggressive supporter of the Establishment.A bully.
Their news team should hang their collective heads in shame.
For me, it highlights that Sky and all involved in the decision making processes within it, are just part of the Establishment. Certainly with regards to the McCann affair, Sky have demonstrated a bias in the reporting, offering the viewers a one-sided account.
A Broadcaster should be impartial and unbiased.Cover all opinions equally.I hardly think that Sky have been anywhere near those values in the McCann case.Instead, individuals who voice concerns about the honesty and innocence of these parents in the disappearance of their daughter, are targeted as 'trolls'.Sky took a pathetic dossier of alleged 'abusive' comments about the parents as a reason to support the parents.
Sky is not a campaigning and independent Broadcaster with values that promote equality of views and opinions.It is looking more like an aggressive supporter of the Establishment.A bully.
Their news team should hang their collective heads in shame.
Dr What- Posts : 249
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
Daily Mirror
Madeleine McCann: Sky News journalist 'devastated' after being told internet troll killed herself following TV report
Inquest: Brenda Leyland checked into a hotel before taking her own life
Respected Sky News journalist Martin Brunt has told how he was left "devastated" after an internet 'troll' who targeted Madeleine McCann's parents killed herself after he confronted her.
Brenda Leyland, 63, was found dead in a hotel room days after the long-serving crime reporter approached her outside her home.
The mum-of-two had been identified as the person behind the anonymous @sweepyface account - who posted comments about Gerry and Kate McCann.
The divorcee, who had a history of mental health problems, accused the pair of neglect and a cover-up over the disappearance of their daughter.
An inquest into Mrs Leyland’s death was told she sent more than 400 tweets related to the tragic case in just 10 months - more than one a day.
AFP/Getty
Targeted: Kate McCann and her husband Gerry McCann
Her messages featured in a dossier of evidence given to Scotland Yard about suspected online hounding of the McCanns.
She was confronted at her home in Burton Overy, Leics, by Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt last September.
After her face appeared in a broadcast on the TV channel two days later, Mrs Leyland checked into a Leicester hotel and killed herself.
Mr Brunt told her inquest today he was left “devastated” after being told about her death by his boss, Sky News head Jonathan Levy.
“I was devastated and I still am,” he added. “The enormity of what happened will always be with me."
Her son Ben Leyland, who lives in America, said her ‘outing’ as @sweepyface left his mother “a broken wreck”.
He added: "She was completely destroyed by what had occurred. It was the final straw that pushed my mum to do what she did."
Mr Brunt told the hearing at Leicester Town Hall how he discovered Mrs Leyland’s identity after being handed the dossier by a third party.
He went to her home with a cameraman on September 30 last year and confronted her about the tweets - which were later found to not be unlawful.
Mrs Leyland invited him into her home after the initial confrontation and seemed “calm” and rational, he added.
She told him she was “entitled” to tweet her concerns the McCanns had left their children alone on the night Madeleine disappeared in 2007.
Mr Brunt, a respected veteran journalist, said he ended the conversation by telling her: “I hope I have not ruined your day”.
She replied: “I don’t know yet if you have ruined my day or my life."
PA
Madeleine McCann: Mrs Leyland had sent tweets to the missing girl's parents
Mr Brunt said he spoke to her again on the phone before his report was broadcast and she told him she had “thought about ending it all”.
“It was a throw-away remark,” he said. “She said she was feeling better. I had no idea about her mental background or history."
The Sky News broadcast was aired on October 2 and showed Mrs Leyland’s face but did not name her or identify where she lived.
She later rang her son in Los Angeles before asking a neighbour to look after her cats while she “lay low”, the inquest was told.
Mrs Leyland drove to the four-star Marriott Hotel on the outskirts of Leicester the following day.
Horrified staff discovered her body inside her £120 room the next morning and alerted police.
Sgt Kevin Taylor, from Leicestershire Police, said she was found lying on the bed .
Police discovered an iPad alongside her body which was open on a website giving instructions on how to commit suicide.
Coroner Catherine Mason said “all proper guidelines” had been followed by Sky News in their coverage of the story and gave a conclusion of suicide.
Madeleine McCann: Sky News journalist 'devastated' after being told internet troll killed herself following TV report
Brenda Leyland, 63, was found dead in a hotel room after being exposed on Sky News for sending vile tweets to Kate and Gerry McCann
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Inquest: Brenda Leyland checked into a hotel before taking her own life
Respected Sky News journalist Martin Brunt has told how he was left "devastated" after an internet 'troll' who targeted Madeleine McCann's parents killed herself after he confronted her.
Brenda Leyland, 63, was found dead in a hotel room days after the long-serving crime reporter approached her outside her home.
The mum-of-two had been identified as the person behind the anonymous @sweepyface account - who posted comments about Gerry and Kate McCann.
The divorcee, who had a history of mental health problems, accused the pair of neglect and a cover-up over the disappearance of their daughter.
An inquest into Mrs Leyland’s death was told she sent more than 400 tweets related to the tragic case in just 10 months - more than one a day.
AFP/Getty
Targeted: Kate McCann and her husband Gerry McCann
Her messages featured in a dossier of evidence given to Scotland Yard about suspected online hounding of the McCanns.
She was confronted at her home in Burton Overy, Leics, by Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt last September.
After her face appeared in a broadcast on the TV channel two days later, Mrs Leyland checked into a Leicester hotel and killed herself.
Mr Brunt told her inquest today he was left “devastated” after being told about her death by his boss, Sky News head Jonathan Levy.
“I was devastated and I still am,” he added. “The enormity of what happened will always be with me."
Her son Ben Leyland, who lives in America, said her ‘outing’ as @sweepyface left his mother “a broken wreck”.
He added: "She was completely destroyed by what had occurred. It was the final straw that pushed my mum to do what she did."
Mr Brunt told the hearing at Leicester Town Hall how he discovered Mrs Leyland’s identity after being handed the dossier by a third party.
He went to her home with a cameraman on September 30 last year and confronted her about the tweets - which were later found to not be unlawful.
Mrs Leyland invited him into her home after the initial confrontation and seemed “calm” and rational, he added.
She told him she was “entitled” to tweet her concerns the McCanns had left their children alone on the night Madeleine disappeared in 2007.
Mr Brunt, a respected veteran journalist, said he ended the conversation by telling her: “I hope I have not ruined your day”.
She replied: “I don’t know yet if you have ruined my day or my life."
PA
Madeleine McCann: Mrs Leyland had sent tweets to the missing girl's parents
Mr Brunt said he spoke to her again on the phone before his report was broadcast and she told him she had “thought about ending it all”.
“It was a throw-away remark,” he said. “She said she was feeling better. I had no idea about her mental background or history."
The Sky News broadcast was aired on October 2 and showed Mrs Leyland’s face but did not name her or identify where she lived.
She later rang her son in Los Angeles before asking a neighbour to look after her cats while she “lay low”, the inquest was told.
Mrs Leyland drove to the four-star Marriott Hotel on the outskirts of Leicester the following day.
Horrified staff discovered her body inside her £120 room the next morning and alerted police.
Sgt Kevin Taylor, from Leicestershire Police, said she was found lying on the bed .
Police discovered an iPad alongside her body which was open on a website giving instructions on how to commit suicide.
Coroner Catherine Mason said “all proper guidelines” had been followed by Sky News in their coverage of the story and gave a conclusion of suicide.
Liz Eagles- Posts : 11153
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
The Guardian
Woman killed herself after being doorstepped over McCann trolling
Sky News offers condolences to family of Brenda Leyland, who was found dead in a Leicester hotel two days after channel broadcast footage of her
Brenda Leyland was reported to have tweeted or retweeted thousands of messages attacking Gerry and Kate McCann. Photograph: Sky News
Caroline Davies and Tara Conlan
Friday 20 March 2015 14.59 GMT Last modified on Friday 20 March 2015 16.57 GMT
Sky News has offered its “sincere condolences” to the family of a woman who killed herself after being doorstepped by one of its senior reporters over abusive tweets she had directed at the parents of missing Madeleine McCann.
The news channel’s crime correspondent, Martin Brunt, told an inquest that Brenda Leyland, 63, said she had thought of “ending it all” but that she was “feeling better now”. He said he thought the remark – made days after he had confronted her – was “a throwaway line”.
Leyland was found dead in a hotel room in Leicester on 4 October last year, two days after Brunt’s report aired on Sky.
“I was devastated and I still am,” Brunt told the inquest at Leicester town hall. “The enormity of what happened will always be with me.”
Coroner Catherine Mason heard Leyland was a proud woman whose standing in her community meant everything to her, and who suffered depression and had made a previous suicide attempt.
On 30 September she was approached by Brunt and a cameraman outside her village home in Burton Overy, Leicestershire, after the journalist was given a dossier containing details of people allegedly posting abusive tweets about Kate and Gerry McCann, whose daughter Madeleine disappeared in Portugal in 2007. Leyland had posted or reposted more than 400 tweets about the McCanns, the inquest heard.
Brunt said he identified himself and asked her: “Why are you using your Twitter account to attack the McCanns?”
At first she did not respond, then replied: “I’m entitled to.”
“I said: ’Are you aware that your tweets are contained in a dossier that has been passed to Scotland Yard?’ And she said: ‘That’s fair enough.’”
She then left, but on her return later that day he approached her again and she said “Come in, Martin”, which surprised him. During a 30-minute discussion she explained her views on the McCanns, and was clearly concerned about being exposed on television and identified.
Brunt said he explained the decision was not his. “I did say I would keep her informed because I am aware of the impact such a confrontation can have on somebody,” he said.
He gave her his contact details and she contacted him the following day. Asked if there was anything in her voice to cause concern, Brunt said: “No, but when I asked her how she was, she said: ‘Oh, I’ve thought about ending it all but I am feeling better. I have had a drink and I’ve spoken to my son.’” He said he thought it was a throwaway remark. He did not know of her medical history, he said.
Sky broadcast footage of Leyland, but did not name her or give details of where she lived, the inquest heard.
Leyand’s younger son, Ben, who was not present, said in a statement she was a loving mother, a proud and stubborn woman, and “could not bear to think she could be disliked by those in her community”. He said she suffered from extreme bouts of depression and anxiety and was on medication.
Before the Sky News approach, she had been upset by a “fractious” dispute with a neighbour over an issue concerning a wall.
He had “no doubt” from the panic in his mother’s voice when she telephoned to tell him of the Sky News incident that “this was the final straw that pushed her then to do what she did”.
He said his mother was “completely destroyed” by what had occurred. He was trying to organise legal advice for her, he said. In her last email to him, she said she felt “cheerier”.
When later he could not reach her, he and his brother and father thought she had gone somewhere to “lie low” as she had asked a neighbour to look after her cat for a few days.
The inquest heard between November 2013 and September 2014, using the Twitter ID @sweepyface, she had tweeted or retweeted 2,210 posts, of which 424 mentioned the McCanns. Her tweets did not constitute a criminal offence, the inquest heard.
Brunt approached her after a dossier of tweets about the McCanns was passed to him by a source, whom he declined to reveal. The coroner said she could not compel him to reveal it and that Brunt was not accused of any criminal offence.
Recording a verdict of suicide, Mason said she did not think that anyone could have known that Leyland had made a decision to take her own life.
Jonathan Levy, senior manager at Sky News, said the approach was in line with the broadcaster’s guidelines on doorstepping: deemed to be warranted when public good outweighed intrusion, and as long as the method was proportionate.
Leyland had not accessed Twitter after Brunt’s approach and would not have seen “disturbing” tweets about herself, which are being investigated, the inquest heard.
A Sky News spokesman said: “Brenda Leyland’s tragic death highlights the unforeseeable human impact that the stories we pursue can have, and Sky News would like to extend its sincere condolences to her family.”
“The team at Sky News followed its editorial guidelines and pursued a story in a responsible manner that we believed was firmly in the public interest.”
Woman killed herself after being doorstepped over McCann trolling
Sky News offers condolences to family of Brenda Leyland, who was found dead in a Leicester hotel two days after channel broadcast footage of her
Brenda Leyland was reported to have tweeted or retweeted thousands of messages attacking Gerry and Kate McCann. Photograph: Sky News
Caroline Davies and Tara Conlan
Friday 20 March 2015 14.59 GMT Last modified on Friday 20 March 2015 16.57 GMT
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79Sky News has offered its “sincere condolences” to the family of a woman who killed herself after being doorstepped by one of its senior reporters over abusive tweets she had directed at the parents of missing Madeleine McCann.
The news channel’s crime correspondent, Martin Brunt, told an inquest that Brenda Leyland, 63, said she had thought of “ending it all” but that she was “feeling better now”. He said he thought the remark – made days after he had confronted her – was “a throwaway line”.
Leyland was found dead in a hotel room in Leicester on 4 October last year, two days after Brunt’s report aired on Sky.
“I was devastated and I still am,” Brunt told the inquest at Leicester town hall. “The enormity of what happened will always be with me.”
Coroner Catherine Mason heard Leyland was a proud woman whose standing in her community meant everything to her, and who suffered depression and had made a previous suicide attempt.
On 30 September she was approached by Brunt and a cameraman outside her village home in Burton Overy, Leicestershire, after the journalist was given a dossier containing details of people allegedly posting abusive tweets about Kate and Gerry McCann, whose daughter Madeleine disappeared in Portugal in 2007. Leyland had posted or reposted more than 400 tweets about the McCanns, the inquest heard.
Brunt said he identified himself and asked her: “Why are you using your Twitter account to attack the McCanns?”
At first she did not respond, then replied: “I’m entitled to.”
“I said: ’Are you aware that your tweets are contained in a dossier that has been passed to Scotland Yard?’ And she said: ‘That’s fair enough.’”
She then left, but on her return later that day he approached her again and she said “Come in, Martin”, which surprised him. During a 30-minute discussion she explained her views on the McCanns, and was clearly concerned about being exposed on television and identified.
Brunt said he explained the decision was not his. “I did say I would keep her informed because I am aware of the impact such a confrontation can have on somebody,” he said.
He gave her his contact details and she contacted him the following day. Asked if there was anything in her voice to cause concern, Brunt said: “No, but when I asked her how she was, she said: ‘Oh, I’ve thought about ending it all but I am feeling better. I have had a drink and I’ve spoken to my son.’” He said he thought it was a throwaway remark. He did not know of her medical history, he said.
Sky broadcast footage of Leyland, but did not name her or give details of where she lived, the inquest heard.
Leyand’s younger son, Ben, who was not present, said in a statement she was a loving mother, a proud and stubborn woman, and “could not bear to think she could be disliked by those in her community”. He said she suffered from extreme bouts of depression and anxiety and was on medication.
Before the Sky News approach, she had been upset by a “fractious” dispute with a neighbour over an issue concerning a wall.
He had “no doubt” from the panic in his mother’s voice when she telephoned to tell him of the Sky News incident that “this was the final straw that pushed her then to do what she did”.
He said his mother was “completely destroyed” by what had occurred. He was trying to organise legal advice for her, he said. In her last email to him, she said she felt “cheerier”.
When later he could not reach her, he and his brother and father thought she had gone somewhere to “lie low” as she had asked a neighbour to look after her cat for a few days.
The inquest heard between November 2013 and September 2014, using the Twitter ID @sweepyface, she had tweeted or retweeted 2,210 posts, of which 424 mentioned the McCanns. Her tweets did not constitute a criminal offence, the inquest heard.
Brunt approached her after a dossier of tweets about the McCanns was passed to him by a source, whom he declined to reveal. The coroner said she could not compel him to reveal it and that Brunt was not accused of any criminal offence.
Recording a verdict of suicide, Mason said she did not think that anyone could have known that Leyland had made a decision to take her own life.
Jonathan Levy, senior manager at Sky News, said the approach was in line with the broadcaster’s guidelines on doorstepping: deemed to be warranted when public good outweighed intrusion, and as long as the method was proportionate.
Leyland had not accessed Twitter after Brunt’s approach and would not have seen “disturbing” tweets about herself, which are being investigated, the inquest heard.
A Sky News spokesman said: “Brenda Leyland’s tragic death highlights the unforeseeable human impact that the stories we pursue can have, and Sky News would like to extend its sincere condolences to her family.”
“The team at Sky News followed its editorial guidelines and pursued a story in a responsible manner that we believed was firmly in the public interest.”
Liz Eagles- Posts : 11153
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
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Some more Sonia tweets.Sonia Poulton @SoniaPoulton 35m35 minutes ago Today we got on camera one of TRUE #mccann trolls who HOUNDED #BrendaLeyland. Then she hid in a toilet and went out back door. Oh the shame. 15 retweets 25 favorites
[*]ann-kristine @fiorifan 32m32 minutes ago
@SoniaPoulton Quite honestly that shocked me. How she had the gall after tweeting that to Brenda I don't know. Had her shame chip removed
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[*]Canine Truth @K9Truth 28m28 minutes ago
@fiorifan @SoniaPoulton Why didn't you speak to her? #McCann
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[*]ann-kristine @fiorifan 22m22 minutes ago
@K9Truth @SoniaPoulton That I'd spoken on camera. She told me to 'Butt out!'. So no. #mccann 2/2
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[*]ann-kristine retweeted
Sonia Poulton @SoniaPoulton 20m20 minutes ago
@fiorifan @K9Truth she wanted to speak to me off camera. I refused. I said this was about transparency. Ghouls can't take transparency.
8:02 PM - 20 Mar 2015 · Details
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[*]Liz Woods @elizawoods 16m16 minutes ago
@SoniaPoulton @fiorifan @K9Truth Shameless Becky.. Ugh!
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[*]Canine Truth @K9Truth 14m14 minutes ago
@SoniaPoulton @fiorifan I bet she wanted to speak off camera! At least she'll get her 5 minutes of fame in your doc. #McCann
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[*]ann-kristine @fiorifan 14m14 minutes ago
@elizawoods @SoniaPoulton @K9Truth Purple plastic dolly shoes with matching nails.Complexion the colour of wheat. Sunglasses.
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[*]Liz Woods @elizawoods 12m12 minutes ago
@fiorifan @SoniaPoulton @K9Truth I am looking forward to the documentary xx
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Sonia Poulton @SoniaPoulton 39m39 minutes ago @fiorifan It's an organised campaign. She was reporting for team. #mccanns should publicly denounce these online savages. But will they? 2 retweets 3 favorites
[*]MrsWaspie @MrsWaspie 36m36 minutes ago
@SoniaPoulton @fiorifan whole thing was a conspiracy - backfired spectacularly with B's suicide - a certain "expert" has been v quiet 2day!
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[*]Sonia Poulton @SoniaPoulton 34m34 minutes ago
@MrsWaspie @fiorifan has he now? Well he need not think he's in the clear. Far bloody from it. The stink has spread far.
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[*]MrsWaspie @MrsWaspie 32m32 minutes ago
@SoniaPoulton @fiorifan compare to broadcast day's performance! #EggOnFace #mccann
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[*]Mari Welzel retweeted
Sonia Poulton @SoniaPoulton 31m31 minutes ago
@MrsWaspie @fiorifan I believe that Brenda will leave an amazing legacy. The moment when people outside #Mccann said ENOUGH.
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Some more Sonia tweets.Sonia Poulton @SoniaPoulton 35m35 minutes ago Today we got on camera one of TRUE #mccann trolls who HOUNDED #BrendaLeyland. Then she hid in a toilet and went out back door. Oh the shame. 15 retweets 25 favorites
[*]ann-kristine
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[*]Canine Truth
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[*]ann-kristine
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[*]ann-kristine retweeted
Sonia Poulton
8:02 PM - 20 Mar 2015 · Details
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Tweet textReply to @SoniaPoulton @fiorifan @K9Truth
[*]Liz Woods
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[*]Canine Truth
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[*]ann-kristine
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[*]Liz Woods
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Sonia Poulton @SoniaPoulton 39m39 minutes ago @fiorifan It's an organised campaign. She was reporting for team. #mccanns should publicly denounce these online savages. But will they? 2 retweets 3 favorites
[*]MrsWaspie
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[*]Sonia Poulton
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[*]MrsWaspie
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[*]Mari Welzel retweeted
Sonia Poulton
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whatsupdoc- Posts : 601
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
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Canine Truth @K9Truth 1h1 hour ago @fiorifan Ta. Did Levy cut a tragic figure? BTW, did the police show any proof of canisters in the room or of BL's search activity? #McCann 0 retweets 1 favorite
[*]ann-kristine @fiorifan 1h1 hour ago
@K9Truth And no, no proof. The cop held his hands apart about ten inches and said two, this size. No pics.#mccann
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[*]Mari Welzel retweeted
**Catwoman** @TheCatwoman2 1h1 hour ago
@fiorifan @K9Truth Surely they would have been used as evidence and bagged up? It's not sounding right at all #mccann
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Canine Truth @K9Truth 1h1 hour ago @fiorifan Ta. Did Levy cut a tragic figure? BTW, did the police show any proof of canisters in the room or of BL's search activity? #McCann 0 retweets 1 favorite
[*]ann-kristine
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[*]Mari Welzel retweeted
**Catwoman**
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whatsupdoc- Posts : 601
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
Sonia Poulton @SoniaPoulton 8m8 minutes ago
Death threats and 'disturbing' tweets posted to#BrendaLeyland#BrendaLeyland Brenda Leyland are subject to a separate investigation, detective revealed in court #mccann
Death threats and 'disturbing' tweets posted to
whatsupdoc- Posts : 601
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
400 tweets in just under 1 year, is just over 1 a day. Hardly trolling, plus it was to the #Mccann hashtag, which is not going to be seen by the mccanns unless they hang out on that tag!
____________________
sonic72- Posts : 342
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
Well maybe there is more to come about all of this then. Well done to all who kept those tweets.whatsupdoc wrote: Sonia Poulton @SoniaPoulton 8m8 minutes ago
Death threats and 'disturbing' tweets posted to#BrendaLeyland#BrendaLeyland Brenda Leyland are subject to a separate investigation, detective revealed in court#mccann
plebgate- Posts : 6729
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
sonic72 wrote:400 tweets in just under 1 year, is just over 1 a day. Hardly trolling, plus it was to the #Mccann hashtag, which is not going to be seen by the mccanns unless they hang out on that tag!
She probably made some remarks that really hit the spot. That must be trolling in the McCanns' eyes.
____________________
"And if Madeleine had hurt herself inside the apartment, why would that be our fault?" Gerry
http://pjga.blogspot.co.uk/?m=0
http://whatreallyhappenedtomadeleinemccann.blogspot.co.uk/
lj- Posts : 3329
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Re: BRENDA LEYLAND: Did Martin Brunt & SKY News (A) Break the OFCOM Code of Conduct and (B) Breach her Article 8 Human Rights Convention 'Right to Privacy' by doorstepping and then broadcasting her repeatedly on national TV?
lj wrote:sonic72 wrote:400 tweets in just under 1 year, is just over 1 a day. Hardly trolling, plus it was to the #Mccann hashtag, which is not going to be seen by the mccanns unless they hang out on that tag!
She probably made some remarks that really hit the spot. That must be trolling in the McCanns' eyes.
I think she was selected for persecution because she was a woman living alone and therefore fitted the "poison pen letter" trope that people have in their minds even if she wasn't a "spinster" per se. They wouldn't have wanted to choose a caring family person arriving back home with the kids and the shopping.
It was a nasty form of persecution.
I am sure she was selected through some form of investigation - whether it was Sky or someone else I don't suppose we will ever know. Brunt will take that secret to the grave I guess.
I think the other thing is her tweets were more "reactive" - rather than say linking to specific evidence. That probably made her a target. I might be wrong on that but that was the impression I got.
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