PREDICTION: If Andrew is charged (no assumption of guilt etc), we are going to have a crisis of both the press & judiciary.
In Britain, it is an offence to publish ANY info on defendant beyond bare facts.
But! US outlets can print whatever they like…
1/
In Britain, it is an offence to publish ANY info on defendant beyond bare facts.
But! US outlets can print whatever they like…
1/
Contempt of court is foundational principle of British justice: press must not prejudice a jury trial.
Editors risk a prison sentence if found in breach.
Even in digital age, the law held…but how could it possibly withstand deluge of US coverage in a case like this??
3/
Editors risk a prison sentence if found in breach.
Even in digital age, the law held…but how could it possibly withstand deluge of US coverage in a case like this??
3/
Short answer: it won’t. Far right agitator Tommy Robinson weaponised UK laws on contempt as a ‘cover up’ over grooming scandal. And the New Yorker ignored & published on Lucy Letby.
If Andrew is charged, it’ll trigger a crisis for both the press & judiciary
4/
If Andrew is charged, it’ll trigger a crisis for both the press & judiciary
4/
Andrew could be charged at any point. The moment he is ALL UK reporting MUST stop. Anything that could prejudice a jury must stop - including posts on social media. But international outlets can & will carry on.
The appearance of a cover-up is inevitable
5/
The appearance of a cover-up is inevitable
5/
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