The longer term

As Mr Justice Eady continues in his "protection" of at least one footballer's private life, I'm slightly puzzled by precedent and how it works.

The judge cites a number of cases, and ruminates on the balance between a person's reasonable expectation of privacy, and whether or not publication "would contribute to a debate of general interest".   But he makes no mention of Garry Flitcroft v The Sunday People.  "Garry who ?" was a typical reaction when the Blackburn Rovers' player's name was made public in 2005, after the overturning of an injunction to prevent revelation of extra-marital affairs with a lap-dancer and a nursery nurse.  Overturned by no less than the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Woolf, in full cognisance of the Human Rights Act 1998.

The sword of truth on this occasion was being wielded by then People editor, Neil "Wolfman" Wallis. After a spell at News International, where he hired People reporters Ian Edmondson and James Weatherup, Neil now runs his own media consultancy, as well as providing corporate PR for Richard Desmond's Channel 5, via the Outside organisation.

Garry is now the manager of Chorley, and this season has guided the Magpies from the Evo-Stik League First Division North into the Evo-Stik League Premier Division. Next season, Victory Park will be host to teams like Colwyn Bay, Marine and FC United of Manchester.