Thread by @jamesdoleman

Proceedings begin in the Craig Murray sentencing case.
Ruddy Dunlop QC, for Mr Murray, opens with his statement in mitigation.

The QC opens by saying Mr Murray does not accept he is in contempt and is planning to appeal

Dunlop says there has been no finding that Mr Murray intended to indentify the complainers in the Alex Salmond case, Lady Dorrian, one of the three judges, questions this

Dunlop says the defendant was trying to stay within the bounds of the law, although accepts he was "living dangerously."

Defence counsel says there is no evidence that Murray's blogs did not effect the course of justice, the trial was not adjourned.
Lady Dorian interrupts again, and says it could affect the willingness of other complainers coming forward in future cases.

Defence counsel turns to potential sentences. Brings forward various precedents.

He raises the first Tommy Robinson contempt case, which he says was a much more serious breach, but only led to a suspended sentence and a fine.

Dunlop: "I cannot remember, in recent times, a journalist or editor being imprisoned for a breach of this kind,"
Says that Murray "genuinely thought he was staying on the right side of the line."

Dunlop, Murray is 62, no previous offences, has dependent children, one only 2 months old, not in good health.

The defence QC says there is no prospect of a repeat offence.

Dunlop says a custodial sentence would have a chilling effect on freedom of expression, and the court should look at other options for disposal.

Dunlop says that Murray has already suffered substantial damage already.
Says Murray can pay a substantial fine, and can make an undertaking not to crowdfund this

Dunlop ends.
Alec Prentice QC, for the Crown rises, , he says that Murray did not remove the posts after proceedings began.
Defence asks for 5 minutes to take instructions.
Court briefly adjourns

Proceedings resume.
Mr Dunlop says he has checked, Murray's blog posts were, he says, redacted after proceedings began.
Lady Dorrian asks why Murray posted the charges (the petition) against him on his blog? Dunlop says "It was a matter of public interest."

Dunlop says that Murray only posted a redacted version of the charges against him, the Advocate Depute disagrees saying it was originally published in full, and only edited later.
Court adjourns again while Dunlop checks

(As an aside this is one problem with virtual hearings, as in court a solicitor could talk to the defendant in person for a few seconds to clear this up)

Proceedings resume, Defence lawyer says it's difficult to check this issue, as all the blog posts in question have been deleted.
Notes that posting the petition is anyway, not part of the charges.

Court adjourns for 20 minutes while the judges consider when they will be able to give their decision.
Back at 11.10am

Proceedings resume
Lady Dorrian says this is a "difficult and anxious matter."
Judge suggests Monday morning at 10am to deliver sentence.
Roddy Dunlop says there is a legal conference that day.
Court adjourns while everyone checks their diaries.

Court resumes.
Lady Dorrian says sentence will be passed on Tuesday morning at 9.45am.
Court adjourns until then.

(As always, thanks everyone for the likes and retweets)