Media advisory notice - PC Andrew Harper
The Solicitor General wishes to remind everyone of the requirement not to publish material, including online, which could jeopardise the defendants' right to a fair trial
Royal Courts of Justice
The trial of Albert Bowers, Jessie Cole, and Henry Long, for the murder of PC Andrew Harper is due to start later this month (June). The jury was originally empanelled on 10 March this year, but the trial was suspended due to the Coronavirus outbreak. The trial is due to last approximately 6 weeks.
The Solicitor General Rt. Hon Michael Ellis QC MP wishes to draw attention to the requirement not to publish material, including online, which could create a substantial risk that the course of justice in these proceedings could be seriously impeded or prejudiced. Publishing this information could amount to contempt of court. It could also put the trial at risk and jeopardise the defendants’ right to a fair trial.
In particular, the Solicitor General draws attention to the requirement not to publish material that asserts or assumes the guilt of any of those who face trial. That is an issue to be determined by the jury on the evidence that they hear in court.
The risks may also arise by inaccurate reporting or reporting that prejudges issues about which the witnesses may give evidence during the trial.
Editors, publishers and social media users should take legal advice to ensure they are in a position to fully comply with the obligations to which they are subject under the terms of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.
The Attorney General’s Office will be monitoring the coverage of these proceedings.
Last updated 16 June 2020 + show all updates
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Trial date has changed
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First published.