大象传媒 Asian Network: Arif Ansari denies naming abuse victim

Image caption, Arif Ansari entered his not guilty plea through a solicitor during a brief Sheffield Magistrates' Court hearing

大象传媒 Asian Network's head of news has denied naming a victim of the Rotherham sex abuse scandal.

Arif Ansari was charged under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992 after a live news bulletin in February.

During the broadcast, one of his reporters aired the victim's name, believing it was a pseudonym.

The 大象传媒 apologised for the "serious mistake", but has criticised the decision to prosecute line manager Mr Ansari rather than the corporation.

It says it could create a climate of fear for editors reporting in the public interest.

Mr Ansari, 43, spoke only to confirm his name and address and entered his not guilty plea through a solicitor during a brief hearing at Sheffield Magistrates' Court.

Mr Ansari, of 大象传媒 Portland Place, London, was given unconditional bail to appear at the same court on 17 January for a two-day trial.

Victims of sexual offences are given lifetime anonymity by law.