Publication date:
Statement from the Attorney General for Northern Ireland on the need for caution around social media posting and commentary on active criminal proceedings.
“As mentioned in my previous Media Advisory Notice I am concerned about the potential impact of social media postings and commentary on members of any jury as the hearing date for the trial approaches.
I would remind members of the public that they can be found in contempt of court if something they publish creates a substantial risk that the course of justice in the criminal proceedings would be seriously impeded or prejudiced.
A sentence of up to two years imprisonment can be imposed.
Users of social media should therefore take great care before posting or re posting clips or commentary and may wish to delete material at this point rather than risk proceedings being brought against them.
Further, it is a criminal offence to identify the complainants, who must remain anonymous.”