Media accused of `butchery'

LONDON - The Guardian and Granada TV "butchered" former Tory Cabinet Minister Mr Jonathan Aitken's personal, political and professional…

LONDON - The Guardian and Granada TV "butchered" former Tory Cabinet Minister Mr Jonathan Aitken's personal, political and professional reputation, the High Court heard yesterday.

Mr Aitken (54) - one time Defence Procurement Minister and, until his resignation in July 1995, Chief Secretary to the Treasury - is claiming libel damages over allegations made in April and December 1995.

The gravest charge was that Mr Aitken conducted private business dealings with arms company Future Management Services. The Guardian and Granada deny libel.