In a significant editorial error, Australian broadcaster 7NEWS has been forced to issue a public apology after mistakenly publishing the photograph of an innocent man in a report concerning a gruesome murder case.
Erroneous Publication in High-Profile Case Report
The incident occurred on 21 October 2025, when 7NEWS ran a detailed report concerning Mr Shaun James Smoothy. The report outlined that Mr Smoothy had been charged with murder and dismemberment. As part of its coverage, the news service published several photographs of the accused man, Mr Smoothy.
However, in a serious mistake, the report also erroneously featured a photograph of Mr Vincent Ashe. Mr Ashe is a highly respected businessman and a professional hunting guide. He has no connection whatsoever to the criminal proceedings involving Mr Smoothy, nor to the charges laid against him.
Unreserved Apology Issued to Vincent Ashe
Recognising the gravity of the error, 7NEWS has moved swiftly to apologise. The network stated it "apologises unreservedly for any harm or damage caused to Mr Ashe by the report."
This kind of mistaken identity in crime reporting can have severe repercussions for the individual wrongly named or pictured, potentially damaging their personal and professional reputation. The network's full apology acknowledges the potential for such harm.
Lessons in Editorial Verification
This event highlights the critical importance of rigorous fact-checking and verification processes in fast-paced news environments. Publishing the image of an unconnected individual in the context of a violent crime is a profound error of judgment and procedure.
The apology serves as a public correction and an attempt to mitigate the damage done to Mr Ashe's standing. It remains a stark reminder for all media organisations about the human impact of editorial mistakes, especially when reporting on serious criminal allegations.
For ongoing news coverage, 7NEWS directs its audience to its digital platform, stating: "Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today."
