§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Attorney General how many trials have been stopped in the last three years as a result of media coverage, in how many cases media coverage has been cited by the court as a reason for returning a not guilty verdict; and if he will list the cases. [38319]
§ The Attorney-GeneralThere is no central record of cases coming within the criteria set out in the hon. Member's question. The two prosecuting authorities for which I have responsibility—Crown Prosecution Service and Serious Fraud Office—have identified the following cases in which criminal proceedings have been stayed on the grounds of "abuse of process" because the court has held that media coverage has made a fair trial impossible.
Name Date Charge Anthony Grunwell June/July 1993: Snaresbrook Crown Court Theft from motor vehicle R. v. Reade, Morris and Woodwiss 15 October 1993: Central Criminal Court Conspiracy to pervert the course of justice R. v. Hassan and Caldori 24 July 1995: Isleworth Crown Court Conspiracy to distribute counterfeit currency R. v. Geoffrey Knights 24 October 1995: Harrow Crown Court Causing grievous bodily harm R. v. Zaheer and Others 11 October 1995: Harrow Crown Court Violent disorder The table is compiled from individual recollection and is not necessarily exhaustive.
The inquiries referred to above have identified two cases where media coverage has been a factor, but not the only factor, in a decision to quash convictions. Those cases related to proceedings against Michelle Taylor and Lisa Taylor (11 June 1993) and Vincent Wood (6 July 1995).
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