Britain’s most popular daytime talk show was condemned as a human form of bear-baiting by a judge yesterday after a husband was provoked into attacking his wife’s lover in front of a studio audience.

David Staniforth, a security guard, brought the ITV1 Jeremy Kyle Show to a halt when he headbutted Larry Mahoney, a bus driver, on stage. His former friend had had an affair with his wife of 26 years after moving into their home as a lodger. Mahoney was left with blood pouring out of his nose.

Staniforth, 45, claimed that he lashed out because he had become emotional at seeing his wife again and was furious at seeing Mr Mahoney, 39. He also cited criticism from Mr Kyle during filming at the Granada studios in Manchester as provocation.

The show specialises in confrontations between love rivals and warring families. It was seen by about 1.5 million viewers, but the attack was edited out. Mr Mahoney contacted the police and Staniforth was arrested. He admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm but was spared jail after the judge said the producers of the show should have been in the dock too.

Alan Berg, the district judge in Manchester, said: “The circumstances of this case are exceptional and the provocation involved seems to be paramount. I have had the misfortune of viewing The Jeremy Kyle Show and I feel bound to make some observations.

“It seems to me that the whole purpose of the show is to effect a morbid and depressing display of dysfunctional people who are in some kind of turmoil. It is for no more and no less than titillating members of the public who have nothing better to do with their mornings than sit and watch this show, which is a human form of bear-baiting under the guise of entertainment. The people responsible for this, namely the producers, should in my opinion be in the dock with you, Mr Staniforth.”

Staniforth was fined £300, plus £60 costs. The judge said: “These are wholly exceptional circumstances and the degree of provocation was so substantial that I propose to deal with you in an exceptional way. Violence can never be excused but there was no serious injury caused to the victim and some people may say that this was justice – although I would not put that forward.”

Gareth Hughes, for the prosecution, said: “Mr Mahoney walked towards Staniforth, who got off his chair and there was a brief argument. All of a sudden and without warning Staniforth headbutted the victim in the face, causing his nose to bleed.”

A video of the incident showed Mr Kyle shouting at Staniforth to get off stage and telling the guests to be calm as security staff rushed on the stage.

Staniforth, a father of two, told the court that the producers had called his wife and daughter to persuade him to go on the show. He had repeatedly tried to meet his wife of 26 years since their split but she refused. This was the first time he had seen his wife or

“ Mr Mahoney since they left the family home. He said: “I feel totally manipulated by the producers who took advantage of the fact I wanted to see my ex to find out what was going on. Jeremy was having a go at me. He was getting me in a state. I would warn anyone to steer clear of these programmes. They aim to provoke you: that is what they are there for.

“While I was out working my guts out on a night shift to pay the mortgage my wife was at home in bed with the lodger. When Larry came out I had no intention of getting up but he started pointing at me and shouting and before I knew it I was on my feet and I headbutted him.”

Broadcasting rules state that television shows must not place participants at risk of violence. Ofcom could not take action because the attack was not broadcast. ITV said that guests were always told from the outset who else would be on the show. “The aim was to help everyone resolve their preexisting conflict.The programme never encourages or tolerates violence.”

Deadly precedents

–– In 1995 Scott Amedure told his friend Jonathan Schmitz on America’s Jenny Jones Show that he had a crush on him. Three days later Schmitz shot him dead
–– In 2000, Nancy Campbell Panitz was beaten to death by her exhusband hours after appearing on the Jerry Springer Show
–– Springer’s guests sign waivers accepting responsibility for whatever happens. He said: “If there’s going to be a surprise, the guests are always told”

The Kyle phenomenon

–– The Jeremy Kyle Show attracts almost a third of viewers between 9.30am and 10.30am
–– Kyle, 42, was poached from Capital Radio, where his live call-ins on relationship issues were a hit. His ITV show replaced Trisha
–– The show’s most popular topics are addiction, out-of-control teens, abuse and infidelity
–– Guests are offered help from a psychologist
–– One guest on the talk show threw a chair at Kyle
–– ITV is expected to offer him a £1 million deal to secure his future
–– He has been spoofed on the BBC comedy show Dead Ringers
–– A current appeal for guests asks: “Are you a mother who is desperate to find out who the father of your child is? Do you need a DNA test?”

Source: Times database

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