Tweeters who stop trials may face prison

SOCIAL media users who post messages which cause court cases to collapse could face jail under laws being considered by the Attorney General.

Jeremy Wright QC, the top legal adviser to the Government, is concerned that comments being left on websites including Facebook and Twitter are undermining criminal trials.

He is determined to act amid fears the rise of social media is jeopardising cases, and has called for expert evidence on whether current laws protect against ‘trial by social media’.

Mr Wright will consider whether changes to the law are needed, and has not ruled out making it a criminal offence – punishable with a prison sentence – to taint a trial with comments on social media.

Mr Wright said: ‘Every defendant in this country is entitled to a fair trial where a verdict is delivered based on the evidence heard in court ... We need to evaluate if there is a risk from social media and, if so whether the risk is increasing.’

He has appealed for suggestions as part of a call for evidence which will close on December 8, after which his office will compile a report on the matter.