Media Advisory Notice - Wayne Couzens
The Attorney General wishes to remind everyone of the requirement not to publish material, including online, which could jeopardise the defendants' right to a fair trial
The Attorney General confirms the requirement not to publish material which could jeopardise a fair trial.
An individual is facing trial regarding allegations of exposure.
The Attorney General Rt. Hon Victoria Prentis MP wishes to amplify the importance of the requirement not to publish any material that could create a substantial risk that the course of justice in these proceedings could be seriously impeded or prejudiced. This includes publishing information online. Publishing this information could amount to contempt of court and could affect the fairness of any future trial.
In particular, the Attorney General draws attention to the requirement not to publish material that asserts or assumes the guilt of anyone facing these particular allegations. That is an issue to be determined by the jury in due course. The Attorney General also wishes to remind journalists and members of the public that it can amount to contempt of court to publish information relating to untested and unconnected allegations against the defendant, and matters adverse to his character, the admissibility of which a Judge in due course may need to determine.
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 Contempt of Court Act 1981.
The Attorney General’s Office is monitoring the coverage of this investigation.