The Metropolitan Police have contacted their Australian counterparts in the wake of the tragic death of nurse Jacintha Saldanha, who was found dead last Friday following her involvement in a hoax telephone call.
Australian DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian of 2Day FM had rung the King Edward VII hospital late one night last week pretending to be the Duke of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Ms Saldanha had answered the call and, taken in by the hoax, revealed details of the condition of the Duchess of Cambridge, who had been taken ill suffering from acute morning sickness.
Although Ms Saldanha had done nothing wrong the prank created huge media attention. It is thought the nurse took her own life, although an inquest is due to open this week.
Now the UK Police have contacted Australian police, to investigate whether the broadcasters had broken the law in conducting the prank call.
The radio station, 2Day FM, suspended all advertising over the weekend and the presenters were placed on indefinite leave. Both are apparently receiving counseling for the role they may have played in the death of the nurse.
Australian police confirmed that lines of inquiry had opened and that they were willing to cooperate with any police investigation.
"All I can say at the moment is that it's been indicated that the London Metropolitan Police may wish to speak to the people involved in the matter from 2Day FM," said Nick Kaldas, the deputy commissioner for New South Wales Police.
Despite police involvement it is unlikely the Australian DJs will face criminal sanctions, as their prank had no malicious intent. However, there is a chance that the station breached Australian broadcasting laws by airing a private conversation recorded using a listening device.
In a letter to the radio station the chairman of the hospital, Lord Glenarthur, described the events of last week as 'tragic beyond words'.
Source:
Kate hoax call: Scotland Yard contacts Australian police (BBC News)
Leave a comment