Several readers contacted StigmaWatch to report the article: ‘Less jail time for mad killer driver,’ published by The Herald Sun online on 13.12.07.  The article reported on a case in which a young man with severe psychotic symptoms, including delusions of an alien attack on earth, unintentionally collided with a fellow motorist - resulting in a death.

Where mental illness is relevant to a case it is acceptable that it be referred to in reporting. However, this headline and its use of the term ‘mad killer,’ misleadingly suggests a linkage between mental illness and intentional violence. The article does acknowledge that the death was not intended, that the young man was extremely unwell and that he has shown great remorse.

StigmaWatch contacted the Herald Sun to urge caution when choosing headlines that may reinforce misconceptions about mental illness.