Sun publishers to face court over 'prejudice' in toddler's arson death case

The publisher of The Sun newspaper will appear in court next month for allegedly reporting material likely to prejudice the trial of a man who blew up his house killing a two year-old boy who lived next door.

News Group Newspapers Ltd was yesterday issued with a summons in connection with the case of Andrew Partington who was sentenced to 10 years in jail last month after admitting cutting through a gas pipe at a house in Shaw, Greater Manchester, following a row with his girlfriend.

A spokesman for News International confirmed the company had been ordered to appear at Manchester City Magistrates Court on 5 April. It is accused of two breaches of reporting restrictions under Section 52A of the Crime and Disorder Act.

The report appeared in the newspaper and online in September last year following Partington’s appearance at Oldham Magistrates court.