"It is a matter of personal regret that it has been necessary to issue legal proceedings against Kent Police. It is not a course of action that has been undertaken lightly. However, Kent Police have declined to retract their allegations despite being given every opportunity to do so. In making these allegations, they have both damaged my personal reputation as a journalist, and brought the reputation of the BBC's journalism into question.

"What is really important here is the level of neglect and abuse that we uncovered at the Brompton care home. A culture of neglect which experts in the field - as well as BBC viewers - found shocking and unacceptable. It is a fundamental purpose of journalism to give voice to those, who because of their circumstances, are unable to speak for themselves. It would not serve the public interest if our findings were diminished by the totally unfounded and defamatory comments made by Kent Police."

Mark Thompson, Director of Television, BBC, said:
"The BBC fully supports this action by Donal MacIntyre. We share Donal's regret that it has been necessary to issue proceedings against the police. The remarks made by Kent Police called into question a programme which revealed the abuse, humiliation and neglect of vulnerable residents, who did not have the ability to speak for themselves. We believe we have a duty to defend the reputation and integrity of our journalists and programme makers. We are also determined to ensure that public confidence in the findings of the programme is not undermined."

Notes to Editors:
1.MacIntyre Undercover: Care was broadcast on BBC One on Tuesday November 16, 1999.
2.The series was presented by Donal MacIntyre and is produced by the BBC's Investigations Unit.
3.Following the programme, an investigation by Medway Council's Social Services Department led it to order the closure of the home under its statutory powers.
4.Following the programme, an investigation by Kent Police resulted in two former members of staff at Brompton Care Home admitting five criminal offences of assault against residents. These offences were dealt with by formal police cautions.
5.The writ names the Chief Constable of Kent (representing the force); Mark Pugash, the media spokesperson for Kent Police; and Michael Costello, an acting Detective Inspector.
 

BBC News Release
23rd October 2000
http://www.bbc.co.uk/info/news/news277.htm