Old Bailey trial aired in name of open justice

AN Old Bailey trial is set to be broadcast today for the first time in its 437-year history when a judge passes sentence on a 25-year-old who stabbed his bed-bound grandfather to death.

Broadcasters are expected to air the judge’s sentencing remarks from the court following a change in the law.

It allows the public to see and hear judges explain the reasoning behind their sentences and is part of a growing trend for justice to be seen to be done.

The move will open up some of the most high-profile crown courts across the country, including the Central Criminal Court, known as the Old Bailey.

Dominic Raab, the Justice Secretary, said: “Opening up the courtroom to cameras to film the sentencing of some the country’s most serious offenders will improve transparency and reinforce confidence in the justice system.

“The public will now be able to see justice handed down, helping them understand better the complex decisions judges make.”

The first case is expected to be at the Old Bailey today involving Ben Oliver, who killed his grandfather after allegedly learning he had been accused of historic sexual abuse of girls.

Only judge Sarah Munro’s sentencing remarks will be filmed. The camera, at the back of the court, will not be allowed to film the defendant, victims, witnesses, jurors, barristers, staff or public gallery. There will be a 10-second time lag on the live feed so filming can be halted if there is disruption.

Oliver stabbed his 74-yearold grandfather David Oliver to death in Mottingham, south London, on Jan 19 last year. He admitted manslaughter due to diminished responsibility and was cleared of murder by jurors at the Old Bailey.

Oliver attacked his grandfather who lay “helpless” in his bedroom following a stroke. Louis Mably QC, for the prosecution, said: “He had been repeatedly stabbed and slashed with a knife in the face, and in particular in the neck.

“It was a brutal attack, plainly carried out with the intention of killing him.”

The introduction of the cameras follows the successful televising of the Supreme Court, which gets 20,000 views on its live stream every month, and the Court of Appeal as well as a pilot in eight crown courts.

It has now been permanently extended to the Crown Court following the law change in 2020.

Sky, BBC, ITN and the Press Association are able to apply to film and broadcast sentencing remarks, with the judge deciding whether to grant the request.

Charles Bronson, one of the UK’S longest serving and most notorious prisoners, has formally asked for his next Parole Board hearing to be heard in public.