View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. Publishers
  2. Magazines
November 29, 2011

Spectator referred to DPP over Lawrence article

By Press Gazette

Rod Liddle’s controversial comment piece on the Stephen Lawrence murder trial for the Spectator has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions by Attorney General Dominic Grieve.

A statement released by Grieve’s office today said: ‘After careful consideration of this serious matter the Attorney General has concluded that the article may amount to a breach of a court order made under section 82 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

‘A breach of such an order is a criminal offence under section 83 of that act.

“While a prosecution can be brought by the attorney general or with his consent, accepted practice is that such matters are more appropriately handled by the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] and the police.

‘In accordance with usual practice he has referred the matter to the DPP for consideration.

“It will be for the CPS to determine whether a criminal prosecution should be brought and that attorney has no role in its decision. His consent will have to be granted to a CPS decision to prosecute the matter, under s83 CJA 2003.”

The two defendants in the case, Gary Dobson, 36, and David Norris 35, deny murder.

Content from our partners
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition
Publishing on the open web is broken, how generative AI could help fix it

The trial continues.

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network