Threats at court
A Birmingham Mail reporter was this week threatened about covering a court case, members of the public observing the proceedings talking loudly next to her about 'beating her up'.
When will the public 'get it' that this sort of intimidation only ensures that such court stories are covered? Indeed, covered in MORE detail, on pages closer to the front?
Top tip: if you're in court, DON'T ask a reporter not to cover it. Even if they weren't going to, by aqsking them you're guaranteed a spot in our news columns.
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Steve Dyson
Blog from the Editor on recent issues and events.
Brave words!
So, name of the accused? Name of the friends/relatives? Link to the story on the website?
Brave words!
So, name of the accused? Name of the friends/relatives? Link to the story on the website?
I would imagine issues of sub judice were at play here. Newspapers cannot report matters relating to live court proceedings in such a report might influence a jury. The risk here is obvious.
I am sure Mr Dyson has plans for the weekend that don't involve several nights in Winson Green.
If there are sub judice issues - and I'm not convinced since there seems to be a public interest defence - then it is a shame that Mr Dyson didn't make that clear.
What did the police say when the reporter told them what had happened?
Oh I am sure that is not the first time a reporter has been "threatened" about covering a court case. A very inflammatory blog with little substance again. As Clifford says Mr Dyson has not made much clear as much as what he could have. I thought spin had gone out with the Labour Party
For those interested, the reporter was escorted back to the office by police. The next day started with two reporters in court. The judge sitting was contacted and she made a warning statement in court. Re. the story itself, see yesterday's Birmingham Mail, p1 and the accompanying editorial leader.
Not really interested anymmore now this further one eyed slant has emerged
Can't get hold of the paper - surprised that the story doesn't appear on the website if it is considered to be front page news.
It is on the website. http://www.birminghammail.net/2008/05/23/pervert-jailed-for-two-years-97319-20967106/
No, I meant the story about the reporter being threatened.
Hi Clifford:
No details re. the incident involved, I'm afraid. I have them, but they're not in the public domain. Blogging about them was to offer insight into the challenges we face.
Thanks for the interest
Moseleyblue: I am pretty sure you are wrong on the sub justice point. The point of reporting on court is to ensure open justice - of course journalists can write about what is going on there!
Not ncessarily, Beth. Matters of which the jury is unaware cannot be reported without the approval of the judge.
And some cases are unreportable until after the completion of other proceedings if the jury in those other proceedings could be influenced by publicity concerning the first cae (hope that makes sense).
Not ncessarily, Beth. Matters of which the jury is unaware cannot be reported without the approval of the judge.
And some cases are unreportable until after the completion of other proceedings if the jury in those other proceedings could be influenced by publicity concerning the first case (hope that makes sense).
Yes of course, but in absence of an order or when the jury are out of the room, it's all above board.
You said that reporters could not report on live court proceedings, but they can and do.