On 8 May, the Canary published an article entitled “Sunderland Reform councillor David Barker allegedly beat up his girlfriend and abused child”. The piece incorrectly stated that Barker was the same individual who was given a suspended sentence in 2019 at South Tyneside magistrates’ court for assault and causing actual bodily harm to his girlfriend. The Canary published this based on information it had at that time. Since then, Barker has reached out to us and provided information categorically showing that he is not the same man who was sentenced in 2019. The Canary would like to unreservedly apologise to Barker,…