Clause 2 - Anonymity of defendant in rape etc. cases

Part of Sexual Offences Bill [Lords] – in a Public Bill Committee at 5:00 pm on 9 September 2003.

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Photo of Chris Bryant Chris Bryant Labour, Rhondda 5:00, 9 September 2003

I agree with my hon. and learned Friend in relation to cases in which people know that an acquittal has happened. However, the tabloid press have often let us down by reporting allegations at great length but not reporting an acquittal in anything more than a single sentence. A degree of prudence and responsibility is required from the newspapers, but it is difficult to see how that could be enforced.