BBC Asian Network boss found not guilty over naming Rotherham rape victim

Arif Ansari (44), head of news at BBC Asian Network, was found not guilty of breaching the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, which gives victims lifelong anonymity, at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court today (Friday).

A member of his team, reporter Rickin Majithia, named the rape victim during a live report outside Sheffield Crown Court in February.

Mr Majithia had believed that the name given in court was a pseudonym, when in fact it was the victim’s real name.

Mr Ansari had checked Mr Majithia’s “script” around 25 minutes before it had been broadcast and believed the woman’s name used in it was her pseudonym, as it was introduced as such. 

District Judge for Sheffield Ms Naomi Redhouse said: “The publication of the name was Mr Majithia’s mistake.

“I accept it was an honest mistake. He should have double-checked.

"It was his story. Mr Ansari did not have any reason to suspect the error so I find Mr Ansari not guilty.”