Murder suspect: British press destroyed my reputation before police said I was innocent
LONDON — A man arrested and then cleared of murder charges has told a committee investigating Britain's press that tabloids destroyed his reputation with false front page stories.
Christopher Jefferies told Britain's press ethics committee that the negative coverage of him was so widespread that some people still assume he is a "weird character" who should be avoided even though he was cleared of wrongdoing.
Jefferies, a landlord, was arrested last year by police investigating the murder of his tenant, Joanna Yeates. Another man has since been convicted of the crime.
Jefferies said he felt he could not go out in public because of the smears.
The inquiry, led by Judge Brian Leveson, plans to issue a report next year and could recommend major changes to Britain's system of media self regulation.
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