A correction and apology regarding Reform councillor David Barker

On 8 May, the Canary published an article entitled “Sunderland Reform councillor David Barker allegedly beat up his girlfriend and abused child”.

The piece incorrectly stated that Barker was the same individual who was given a suspended sentence in 2019 at South Tyneside magistrates’ court for assault and causing actual bodily harm to his girlfriend.

The Canary published this based on information it had at that time. Since then, Barker has reached out to us and provided information categorically showing that he is not the same man who was sentenced in 2019.

The Canary would like to unreservedly apologise to Barker, his family, and friends, for the distress and damage that our article caused. We are committed to ensuring that our publication consistently achieves the highest levels of factual accuracy. However, on this occasion, the information we were provided proved to be inaccurate. We took immediate action to remove the article and investigate.

To confirm: Reform councillor David Barker is not the same David Barker who was convicted in 2019. We have permanently removed all content related to this and will ensure that any future information published about him is accurate.

By The Canary

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