Broadcasters win judicial review over Dale Farm footage

The BBC, ITN and Sky News have been granted permission to pursue an appeal against a production order granted in February which would force them to hand over footage taken during the first two days of the Dale Farm eviction.

The order, which was also made against freelance video journalist Jason Parkinson - whose request for an appeal was submitted on his behalf by the National Union of Journalists - was granted on 6 February to Essex police.

The order was also made against Hardcash Productions which joined the NUJ and broadcasters in seeking an appeal of the decision.

Today the broadcasters and the NUJ confirmed they had been given permission to seek a judicial review of the decision, which the union previously said had raised concerns that journalists could be seen as "evidence gatherers for the police".

Parkinson told Journalism.co.uk he is "very happy" to have been given permission to pursue an appeal and that "it has been accepted on behalf of everyone".

Last month the chief executive officer of ITN John Hardie, described the order as "wide-ranging" and "in danger of becoming the norm".

It is understood that a hearing is likely to take place after Easter.

Essex police declined to comment.

Free daily newsletter

If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).