j.m@talk
09-25-2007, 08:54 AM
Judge Lays Into ITV Talk Show :eek:
ITV bosses have defended The Jeremy Kyle Show after it was reportedly branded a "human form of bear baiting" by a judge sentencing a man who headbutted his love rival during filming.
http://static.sky.com/images/pictures/1590445.jpg
David Staniforth headbutts Larry Mahoney on The Jeremy Kyle Show
Security guard David Staniforth, 45, attacked Larry Mahoney, 39, after discovering he had begun an affair with his wife Jennifer after moving into their home as a lodger.
Staniforth, of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, was fined £300 plus £60 costs after he lashed out at bus driver Mr Mahoney during a recording of the show on May 16 this year.
He is thought to be the first person to be convicted of assaulting someone on a British talk show.
Passing sentence at Manchester Magistrates Court, District Judge Alan Berg said the programme was aiming to "effect a morbid and depressing display of dysfunctional people".
"It is for no more and no less than titillating members of the public who have nothing better to do with their mornings than sit and watch this show - which is a human form of bear baiting which goes under the guise of entertainment," he said.
"The people responsible for this, namely the producers, should, in my opinion, be in the dock with you, Mr Staniforth."
http://static.sky.com/images/pictures/1590469.jpg
Jeremy Kyle
ITV defended its conduct, saying it had always opposed violence and disagreed with the judge's comments about the viewers.
An ITV spokeswoman said: "We take the safety and well-being of studio guests extremely seriously."
She added that the programme provided an opportunity for people to resolve pre-existing disputes on neutral territory, with the offer of counselling, mediation and support.
She said: "We do not recognise the district judge's description of our programme."
Staniforth launched his attack on Mr Mahoney during filming for the programme at Manchester's Granada Studios.
He and his wife Jennifer, 42, had been married for 26 years.
http://static.sky.com/images/skynews/furniture/skynews_logo.gif
ITV bosses have defended The Jeremy Kyle Show after it was reportedly branded a "human form of bear baiting" by a judge sentencing a man who headbutted his love rival during filming.
http://static.sky.com/images/pictures/1590445.jpg
David Staniforth headbutts Larry Mahoney on The Jeremy Kyle Show
Security guard David Staniforth, 45, attacked Larry Mahoney, 39, after discovering he had begun an affair with his wife Jennifer after moving into their home as a lodger.
Staniforth, of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, was fined £300 plus £60 costs after he lashed out at bus driver Mr Mahoney during a recording of the show on May 16 this year.
He is thought to be the first person to be convicted of assaulting someone on a British talk show.
Passing sentence at Manchester Magistrates Court, District Judge Alan Berg said the programme was aiming to "effect a morbid and depressing display of dysfunctional people".
"It is for no more and no less than titillating members of the public who have nothing better to do with their mornings than sit and watch this show - which is a human form of bear baiting which goes under the guise of entertainment," he said.
"The people responsible for this, namely the producers, should, in my opinion, be in the dock with you, Mr Staniforth."
http://static.sky.com/images/pictures/1590469.jpg
Jeremy Kyle
ITV defended its conduct, saying it had always opposed violence and disagreed with the judge's comments about the viewers.
An ITV spokeswoman said: "We take the safety and well-being of studio guests extremely seriously."
She added that the programme provided an opportunity for people to resolve pre-existing disputes on neutral territory, with the offer of counselling, mediation and support.
She said: "We do not recognise the district judge's description of our programme."
Staniforth launched his attack on Mr Mahoney during filming for the programme at Manchester's Granada Studios.
He and his wife Jennifer, 42, had been married for 26 years.
http://static.sky.com/images/skynews/furniture/skynews_logo.gif