The Daily Mail has published a significant correction to a story concerning the prosecution of a former British soldier, after it incorrectly identified a man involved in a fatal incident from the Troubles.
Clarification on a Key Detail
An article published on 3 November reported on the case against a former soldier, referred to as Soldier B. The original report stated that Soldier B was accused of shooting a terrorist gunman named Eugene Devlin, who it said died in 1972 during an IRA ambush.
However, the publication has now clarified that this was factually incorrect. The Eugene Devlin named in the ongoing case against Soldier B is a different individual. This man is alive and has firmly denied any involvement in terrorist activity or of ever possessing a weapon.
Formal Apology and Reader Redress
The newspaper has apologised for the error and any confusion it may have caused. In its correction notice, it provided clear channels for readers to seek redress.
To report an inaccuracy, readers can email: corrections@mailonline.co.uk.
For those wishing to make a formal complaint under the rules of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), the Mail has directed them to its website. An easy-to-use complaints form can be found at www.mailonline.co.uk/readerseditor.
Alternative methods for lodging a formal complaint include:
- Writing to the Readers' Editor at: Daily Mail, Northcliffe House, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5TT.
- Contacting IPSO directly via its website: ipso.co.uk.
Importance of Accuracy in Historical Cases
This correction underscores the sensitive nature of reporting on historical cases from the Northern Ireland conflict. The prosecution of former soldiers remains a highly charged subject, making factual accuracy regarding the identities and allegations against all named parties paramount.
The error, which mistakenly associated a living man with a death from a 1972 IRA ambush, highlights the potential for reputational harm and distress when details are misreported. The prompt correction and apology are standard steps in the UK's press regulation framework overseen by IPSO.
