A High Court judge is expected to decide next week whether an unnamed celebrity can remain anonymous while facing allegations of sexual misconduct.
The public figure is accused of engaging in “inappropriate sexual activities with a large number of girls and young women”. The allegations have been denied.
Justice Matthew Nicklin told the court on Wednesday that he would do “everything [he] can” to reach a decision next week, while acknowledging the urgency of the case.
“The court will have to reserve judgment in this case,” he said. The parties were told to be ready early next week, with reporting restrictions still in place.
The celebrity is taking legal action against ITN and The Guardian in an attempt to prevent publication of the allegations and to keep his identity out of the press.
His lawyers have argued that naming him would make it “highly likely” that he would take his own life, citing what they described as two previous suicide attempts, two hospital admissions, involuntary detention and consultations with more than 10 doctors.
A lawyer opposing the anonymity request argued that the case risked involving judges in assessing the causes of suicidal thoughts, which should be left to medical professionals.
The lawyer also said publication of the allegations would contribute to a debate of public importance about men using positions of power to commit misconduct against women.
