Syringe incident condemned

BECTU has condemned musician Pete Doherty for squirting the contents of a syringe at a camera during an interview.

The incident happened during an interview with MTV when a syringe of what is believed to be Doherty's blood was squirted towards the camera and had to be wiped from the lens.

Doherty has frequently appeared in the media in stories involving drug taking. The interview has subsequently appeared on MTV Overdrive and been reported across the media.

The union has written to MTV seeking assurances about the health and safety of crews in these circumstances and have questioned whether the interview should have continued given Doherty's behaviour.

BECTU believe that all crews should have the necessary training and equipment to deal with an incident of this nature involving blood.

BECTU is also asking broadcasters to put the health and safety of their staff first when deciding whether to interview somebody who has shown such a blatant disregard for the welfare of others.

National Official Nigel Mason said today "This incident was completely unacceptable by any standards.

"Pete Doherty's behaviour showed a complete disregard for the welfare of a film crew who were simply doing their job.

"No working person should have to be subjected to such disgusting behaviour or to have their health potentially compromised in this way.

"Broadcasters including MTV clearly have to decide in the light of this incident whether it is appropriate for them to offer this individual further publicity".