Judge axes ‘Facebook trial’ verdict

Whitegates village A MAN convicted of exposing himself and chasing two women won his appeal after a judge ruled social media gossip had prevented a fair trial.

Edward Chandler, 22, was targeted as a suspect in the June 2016 outrage because he was a loner, the judge heard. Locals at Whitegates in Wickham, Berks, spread rumours and his image on Facebook.

Mr Chandler’s lawyer told Reading crown court ID evidence should have been excluded and the conviction was quashed.

The hearing came as the Attorney General launched a public consultation on the risks of social media.

He said: “Our contempt laws prevent trial by media. However, are they able to protect against trials by social media?”

GOSSIP