Sue Turton on that incident
Updated on 01 August 2007
Many people found the incident in Oxford last week when a man pinched my bum live on Channel 4 News humorous.
Thames Valley police, however, saw it and asked for a taped copy in order to identify the culprit, suggesting that a charge of sexual assault could be considered.
Male reporters would never be treated to a public goosing. Should the women of my profession not expect the same respect?
I've no desire to punish this man through the courts. But I did wonder if I accepted such behaviour without complaint what hope do women who are groped in public in this way have of any recourse?
I personally found the matter quite humiliating and somewhat disrespectful to the plight of those I was reporting about.
Some may say I'm being prudish. It's true I've been in much more threatening situations throughout my reporting career, but they were in far flung places where personal space isn't a priority.
Male reporters would never be treated to a public goosing. Should the women of my profession not expect the same respect?
Sue Turton
senior reporter
Channel 4 News
The above is the full version of a letter that will appear in the media section of The Guardian next Monday
